The North East Mayor would follow in the footsteps of her counterpart in Manchester - and look to secure any support or backing from the government should it be needed for a regeneration project around a new or revamped home for Newcastle United.

Kim McGuiness has told Chronicle Live that she would 'absolutely be working' with Newcastle United to help ensure that a regeneration project would accompany any work to expand St James' Park or indeed a new site. It follows news that plans for the regeneration of land around Old Trafford has 'government backing.'

Newcastle are still yet to confirm where they intend to call home in the long term but a decision is expected to be made in the coming months to whether they stay and expand St James' Park or move to a brand new location. Sources have claimed that any move would see the club remain in the city centre, while many supporters are still hoping that St James' Park could be expanded and the club remain where it is.

READ MORE: Newcastle United set to make Garang Kuol transfer decision after exciting return

READ MORE: Jamie O'Hara gets it so wrong with one-word sneer after Newcastle United pull off masterstroke

Regardless of what the club decide, either option will be an expensive one - and any help funding regeneration of land around their chosen site will undoubtedly be welcomed.

Over the weekend Manchester United announced that it's plans to regenerate the area around Old Trafford had the support of the Treasury and while details are awaited on what that actually means, it is thought that the project would be backed financially, although any work to the stadium would be paid for by the Red Devils.

In a statement Man United confirmed it would be responsible for the stadium but that 'support' from 'public bodies would be needed to unlock the wider regeneration opportunity.' It added that the Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, was championing the Old Trafford project as “a shining example” of the government’s plans to promote economic growth.

The project is also being backed by The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham who claims any such work would be 'delivering benefits across the whole of the North.'

Asked by Chronicle Live whether the North East Combined Authority would chase similar support from the government if needed, Ms McGuinness said: "Newcastle United is a huge part of many people’s lives in the North East and we know the club is also a huge driver for jobs and the regional economy.

"I will absolutely be working with United’s owners on their plans for the future, so that together we can use any stadium development to help transform and regenerate the local area.

"That way we can attract new funding to welcome businesses, build homes and support better transport links in the same way that people in Manchester are starting to talk about with their future plans.”