Newcastle could host World Cup that features Ronaldinho, Rio Ferdinand and Mesut Ozil

Newcastle United’s St James’ Park is the frontrunner to host the first-ever Over 35s World Cup in June.

The tournament will see some of football’s biggest names take to the field in a one-of-a-kind knockout contest.

Stars such as Ronaldinho, Rio Ferdinand and Mesut Ozil could be set to dust off their boots for the chance to represent their respective countries one final time.

According to the Daily Mail, St James’ Park is set to be awarded hosting rights for all seven games after the competition’s organisers, the Elite Player Group, held encouraging talks with the Premier League club and local council.

The tournament will see eight former World Cup winners do battle this summer with England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Uruguay and Spain all securing their spot.

Rules stipulate that players must be aged 35, been capped by their country or made at least 100 top-flight appearances to be eligible.

The captains have already been announced with Steve McManaman leading England, former Leicester and Inter Milan midfielder Esteban Cambiasso captaining Argentina and Emerson leading out record five-time World Cup winners Brazil.

Ex-Middlesbrough star Christian Karembeu will captain France, Kevin Kuranyi will skipper Germany and Marco Materazzi will lead Italy.

Finally, former Real Madrid full-back Michel Salgado will captain Spain and Diego Lugano will wear the armband for Uruguay.

Coaches will be able to choose up to 18 players for the tournament and early signs suggest some iconic names will be present.

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Sources claim Brazil will call upon Kaka, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, while Italy will turn to Fabio Cannavaro.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen could be in line for a return to his former stomping ground as part of the Three Lions squad alongside David James, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Robbie Fowler.

Other notable names to be included are Thierry Henry, Hernan Crespo, Roberto Carlos, Carlus Puyol and Francesco Totti.

EPG president Matias Sarasola said: “We think this will be a milestone in football history. Never before has one event joined 144 of these kind of former players at the same tournament. It is like the trophy of trophies.”

The proposed schedule for the tournament will see the quarter-finals and semi-finals held over three dates in the first week of June, with the final to be played on June 11 or June 12.

“England created this sport and we wanted to launch the new category here, too,” Sarasola, continued

“We would like to have full stadiums, so we will try and do the minimum ticket price possible. We would like to give the opportunity for all the city to go there. We want to make it as inclusive as possible”

Matches will be 11-a-side with a decreased duration of 70 minutes with rolling substitutes available to coaches.