Football legend Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, his family have revealed.
The former England international was recently admitted to hospital due to "ongoing abdominal symptoms", a statement said.
"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment," it added.
Newcastle, who the 74-year-old played for between 1982 and 1984, took to on social media to notify their fans.
Kevin Keegan has been admitted to hospital
| PA"Our former player & manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.
"King Kev. We're with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery."
Kevin Keegan's infamous rant is one of the Premier League's all-time great moments
|SKY SPORTS
A family statement continued "Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.
"During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."
Keegan is affectionately known as 'King Kev' for his brilliance on the pitch, which also saw him win the Ballon d'Or twice, doing so while with German outfit Hamburg in 1978 and 1979.
As well as being lethal in front of goal, Keegan was also renowned for his fantastic dribbling ability.
Many regard him as one of the best footballers of all time, starting his career out at Scunthorpe before becoming a household name at Liverpool.
At Anfield, Keegan won three First Division titles, one European Cup, one FA Cup and two UEFA Cups.
Kevin Keegan enjoyed an incredible career where he won the Ballon d'Or twice
|PA
In total, the forward played 323 times for the Reds, scoring 100 goals.
After three years in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, he returned to England to play for Southampton, Newcastle and Blacktown City.
After hanging up his boots in 1985, Keegan turned to management in 1992.
His first job was at previous club Newcastle, where he held the post as manager from 1992 to 1997.
As well as regularly challenging for the Premier League title, perhaps his most iconic moment came during a feisty battle with Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson.
In the run-in for the title, his infamous "I would love it if we beat them, love it" line is remembered by football fans from across the country.
As well as becoming a legend at club level, England fans remember not just his incredible goals for the team and his stint as manager - but his remarkable perm.
Keegan played 63 times for England, scoring 21 times.
He would go on to manage England from 1999 to 2000, though he resigned after a defeat to Germany.