Manchester United coach Michael Carrick is reportedly in the running to succeed Rafael Benitez as Newcastle United manager.
The Magpies are bracing themselves for Benitez's summer exit, despite backing the Spaniard with £20m to bring in Miguel Almiron in January.
Benitez is due to be out of contract at St James' Park in the summer and has held off from agreeing fresh terms.
According to TEAMtalk, Carrick could be the man who replaces Benitez in the dugout next season.
The former West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Man United midfielder moved into coaching at the end of last season after announcing his retirement.
Carrick has experience of working alongside Jose Mourinho during his maiden coaching campaign at Old Trafford and he hails from nearby Wallsend, which is believed to have piqued Newcastle's interest.
