The Japan Times - Former Liverpool and England star Kevin Keegan dies aged 75

Keegan, regarded as one the greatest players of his generation, was diagnosed with stage four cancer and underwent treatment in January.

"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a statement from Keegan's family said.

"The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments."

Keegan, a dynamic striker nicknamed "mighty mouse", won the English top-flight title four times with Liverpool before joining German club Hamburg in 1977.

He returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle, before turning to management.

He led Newcastle to promotion to the Premier League in 1993 and established them as a force in the top-flight, dubbed "the entertainers" as they finished runners-up to Manchester United in 1996.

Keegan went on to manage Fulham before taking charge of England from 1999 to 2000.

He also spent four years as Manchester City manager before finishing his managerial career with a brief return to Newcastle in 2008.

"Kevin, a double Ballon d'Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support," the statement added.

"This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."

M.Ito--JT