The club are short of numbers after the departure of Emre, Stephen Carr, Peter Ramage and David Rozenhal, (and Joey Barton rotting away in nick)and with substantial funds to spend Keegan will hope to make his first signing before the players return for pre-season training in the first week of July.
Newcastle paid close attention to Evans' progress while he was on loan at the Stadium of Light in the second half of the season, and a number of glowing reports were filed to United's scouts.