Reports earlier this week claimed a group of South African businessmen trying to buy Newcastle would make Clifford one of their first appointments if the deal goes through.

And, speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post today, the former primary school teacher revealed he has been approached by the so-called 'Bok' consortium about a role on Tyneside.

If all goes according to plan, Clifford would be given a seat on the Newcastle board and handed responsibility for developing the club's youth football structure.

It is likely that he would be working alongside Kevin Keegan, who the South Africans want to re-install as Newcastle manager just weeks after he quit St James' Park.

Clifford told the YEP: "I'm very interested in the vision the consortium has for the club.

"They first contacted me two or three weeks ago, and I knew I would have to see the whites of their eyes to know if they were serious.

"We have met since then and it's clear they are."

Middlesbrough-born Clifford's outspoken views and far-reaching ambitions have earned him headlines galore since he left teaching for the world of football in the 1990s.

He once famously predicted that products of the Brazilian-style soccer schools he runs from Leeds would eventually make up half the England side.

The 37-year-old has also persuaded stars like Socrates and Lee Sharpe to turn out for Garforth Town, the non-league club he bought in 2003.

A spell as right-hand man to Southampton's then performance director Sir Clive Woodward in 2005 proved less happy – he quit after just three months amid reports of clashes with other coaches at the club.

Clifford is confident Newcastle would be a different proposition, however.

He said: "It was clear from very early on that it wasn't going to happen at Southampton.

"I think I would have more freedom at Newcastle to work in my field in the way I wanted.

"It would be a strategic role – I wouldn't be going there to put a tracksuit on."

As many as eight different groups are said to be interested in buying struggling Newcastle from wantaway owner Mike Ashley.

But the mega-rich consortium eyeing Clifford is thought to be in pole position, having reportedly lodged an official bid of around £300m.