Boss Roy Keane has hinted that he could be interested in signing former team-mate Nicky Butt in the summer. The ex-Manchester United and England man will leave Newcastle at the end of the season after six years on Tyneside.

Asked whether he might be interested in his one-time midfield partner after Saturday's 2-2 draw with the Magpies, Keane said: “We'll see - we couldn't afford him.

“Nicky won't retire, I'm pretty sure of that. I think he can still play at a pretty high level, but whether that's the Premier League, it's up to Nicky.

“As long as you can still play like we saw here, play as long as you can. There are plenty of years for coaching.”

Keane felt Butt, 35, used the type of know-how that the Blues have missed all season to win Newcastle their penalty at St James’ Park on Saturday: “Nicky used his experience there and that's what we've lacked all season, someone like him.”

Butt himself says he’s already had offers: “Coaching is definitely something I want to do - I don't want to leave football. I've a few offers to play at other places.”

Regarding Keane’s potential interest, Butt was non-committal: “Maybe, yeah.”

A report in the North-East claims Preston North End, managed by Darren Ferguson, are already showing interest in the Gorton-born midfielder.

Photo: Action Images

TractorRoyNo1 added 01:00 - Apr 26 Why
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WadzillaBhoy added 01:10 - Apr 26 Why not? His contract runs out at the end of the season and even if he doesn't get any games his experience will benefit the youngsters development. Plus he played well against us at the weekend.
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blue_floyd added 02:11 - Apr 26 No thanks. We need a creative midfielder, not a defensive one. Also, at the age of 35, he's way past his best.
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PhoenixArizonaFan added 04:13 - Apr 26 Too old. We need someone younger. Oh wait, we have Connor Wickham. Let's nurture our home talent...
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bennyblue added 05:08 - Apr 26 waste of time money besides has he ever played for sunderland ? and hes not irish he might be roys poker parter buts thats not enough roy
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WeWereZombies added 05:15 - Apr 26 At last Roy is learning to turn the other cheek
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Redmond added 06:32 - Apr 26 I think Butt would be a great signing his exp and he can teach the younger players a lot and he still not a bad mid for this league
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Vexorg added 07:21 - Apr 26 Make a good change from all those head down run nowhere midfielders we have now
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blueherts added 08:21 - Apr 26 Great call - We need a wise head and I actually think it would free up Leadbitter or Norris - he wouldnt play every week but if we signed one player who is experienced and still fit he is a good pro ( plus he knows RK !!!)
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bennyblue added 08:21 - Apr 26 does that mean keane is going to shift his ars- out of here
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devontractorboy added 08:24 - Apr 26 No, if it was his old mate Scholes that would be different!
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itfc1981 added 09:08 - Apr 26 no thanks. we have to many grafters, plus he's not been great since he left United, flop at brum, on the bench up North.
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These_arent_the_days added 09:25 - Apr 26 been a flop at most of his clubs - we need a ceative mid-fielder - oh & a new Manager
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PhatCookie added 10:08 - Apr 26 again negative comments, 1, a player of that experiance should not be a bench warmer 2, you cant buy that experiance 3, your only as good as the players around you, he was good and MU cos ofwho was there, Brum N Newcastle were mediocre in the prem, but but brilliant in the championship, proving that but is a quality championship player. Well Worth a punt, but not just for experiance

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itfc1981 added 10:15 - Apr 26 Phat he was a bench warmer at Newcastle.
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ITFCAlex added 10:19 - Apr 26 Why not? Ever since De Vos left we have lacked this experience. Ideal player to bring on when shutting out a game. Worth a punt on a free with a coaching role to follow. KEANO!!!
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naa added 10:32 - Apr 26 phatcookie: don't disagree especially, but you clearny CAN buy that experience. What a stupid comment! A player can't buy that experience, obviously, but a club can, and we're a club. I think Butt would be an OK sigining, but one of Norris or Leadbitter would have to leave the club as I'd die of boredom if he tried to shoehorn all three of those into the midfield.
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Markie31 added 10:46 - Apr 26 We bought Healy for his experience, alot of good he was this season....
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Cardinals added 10:59 - Apr 26 Would be an excellent addition to the squad. Sign him up, player/coach!
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jas0999 added 11:04 - Apr 26 Butt would be a decent addition to the squad - but not on massive money.
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PhatCookie added 12:15 - Apr 26 how can it be a stupid comment, you can obviously buy 36 year old players, but not a champion league winner, league and cup winner, england international, i'm sorry, but who is going to sel ipswich a player like that, point made, now kindly apologise naa, thanku
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Mark added 12:31 - Apr 26 I think we have lacked pace, dribbling skill on the wing and goalscoring ability, oh and someone to take quality set pieces, all season. Whilst there may be a bit of merit in bringing Butt's experience here, money is tight and I would channel all funds into the first 11 rather than spending on a squad player / bench warmer / coach.
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tractorboybig added 12:31 - Apr 26 PLEASE just let it be rumor. We want to go foward not back and down. Would be of no use to ITFC
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corshamblue added 12:34 - Apr 26 Never Say 'Never' ... butt Never going to happen.
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bleedblue added 13:09 - Apr 26 Butt would be a massive influence and to get a year or too out of him on the pitch and then a longer term as coach would be fantastic - GO FOR IT KEANO!!
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