Like every supporter, Harper – the only surviving player from Keegan's first spell in charge at St James's Park – is waiting on news of the 57-year-old summer transfer business.

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And having seen Keegan bring the likes of Alan Shearer, David Ginola, Robert Lee and Les Ferdinand to Newcastle when he was coming through the ranks, the Easington-born goalkeeper has no doubt that he knows just the type of players needed to revive the club's fortunes.

Harper told the Echo: "I'm sure the manager knows what players he wants, and hopefully he'll get them.

"I don't think anybody knows the club better than Kevin Keegan. He knows the fans, the club and the type of player we need.

"Hopefully we'll have a few new faces. As players, you like to see new faces.

"The players are just the same as the fans – we're waiting on news of signings like anyone else.

"We've lost a few players, and we might lose a couple more. Maybe we've been a little short (in recent seasons), and it would be nice to have five or six top players in.

"Hopefully, we'll have a good, competitive pre-season, and start the season well."

Keegan is yet to sign a player since his January return to United, having lost out on Luka Modric late last season, while top target Andrei Arshavin looks destined for a big-money move to a Champions League club after starring for Russia in Euro 2008.