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Kevin Keegan was told he could sign Bastian Schweinsteiger to replace James Milner at Newcastle... but club made awful £4.3m bid for future star

Kevin Keegan was once told he could replace James Milner with Bastian Schweinsteiger at Newcastle, his former No 2 has revealed.

But assistant manager Terry McDermott has admitted that the club's 'Cockney Mafia' - as they were dubbed by fans - had 'hoodwinked' Keegan with a €5million (£4.3m) bid in order to push through Milner's sale.

Milner - a key player for Keegan - was subject to a £10m offer from Aston Villa, but the Newcastle manager insisted he was not for sale.

Kevin Keegan was told he would be able to sign Bastian Schweinsteiger while at Newcastle
Kevin Keegan was told he would be able to sign Bastian Schweinsteiger while at Newcastle

Villa upped their valuation of Milner to £12m, which caused the former Liverpool forward to consider their offer.