Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan's hopes of a summer transfer treasure chest may have risen after the club's billionaire owner Mike Ashley won a windfall on the roulette wheel, the Mail on Sunday reported.

According to the British weekly, sports goods retailer Ashley won 1.3million pounds (2.5 million dollars) on a single spin of the wheel after a complex complete bet on black 17, the number favoured by James Bond.

Ashley reportedly placed the bet at a luxurious casino in St James Street, in the London high-rollers' haunt of Mayfair.

According to the Mail, Keegan, who replaced the sacked Sam Allardyce in January and has since lifted an under-performing side into midtable, believes even cash may not be enough for a title bid next season, however.

United, who will bid to prevent title contenders Chelsea going level with Manchester United on Monday, were runners up under Keegan 12 years ago and also came close to glory under Sir Bobby Robson.