Newcastle United have made an approach to Racing Santander coach Marcelino, it has been revealed.

The People says Toon boss Kevin Keegan has failed to win a game in his second coming on Tyneside and top-level sources in La Liga claim that an approach has been made for the highly-rated Racing Santander chief.

Marcelino, 42, is also in talks with Santander about renewing his contract and has been linked with Sevilla - and now the Newcastle interest in him has emerged.

For all of the public backing, there are doubts behind the scenes about Keegan's ability to turn the club round, with relegation suddenly a distinct possibility.