League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan says Kevin Keegan is prepared to return to Newcastle United under the right structure.
Keegan left his position as Newcastle boss last month after being unable to work under the management set-up created by Mike Ashley.
The Magpies' owner has subsequently put the club up for sale following a fans' backlash in response to Keegan's exit from St James' Park.
Several consortiums have shown an interest in buying out Ashley, with some keen to reappoint Keegan for a third spell on Tyneside.
The former England coach is open to returning to the position, but Bevan insists there must be a change in the structure for that to happen.
"Numerous people, including a group of Newcastle supporters, have contacted Kevin and myself saying, 'Would he be interested in coming back?'" said Bevan in The Sun.
"Kevin didn't want to leave. He has a great passion for the club.
"But the structure has to be right. He doesn't want to go through that again.
"Kevin can't make any decision until the club has been sold."
Vice-president Tony Jimenez left his post on Thursday, while Joe Kinnear has taken interim charge while Ashley looks to sell the club.
Keegan left his position as Newcastle boss last month after being unable to work under the management set-up created by Mike Ashley.
The Magpies' owner has subsequently put the club up for sale following a fans' backlash in response to Keegan's exit from St James' Park.
Several consortiums have shown an interest in buying out Ashley, with some keen to reappoint Keegan for a third spell on Tyneside.
The former England coach is open to returning to the position, but Bevan insists there must be a change in the structure for that to happen.
"Numerous people, including a group of Newcastle supporters, have contacted Kevin and myself saying, 'Would he be interested in coming back?'" said Bevan in The Sun.
"Kevin didn't want to leave. He has a great passion for the club.
"But the structure has to be right. He doesn't want to go through that again.
"Kevin can't make any decision until the club has been sold."
Vice-president Tony Jimenez left his post on Thursday, while Joe Kinnear has taken interim charge while Ashley looks to sell the club.
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