According to reports from The Times, Newcastle United will look to sign Michael Carrick on a free transfer in the summer if he fails to earn a new contract at Manchester United.
The veteran midfielder, who has lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League title and a League Cup during his 400 appearances for the Red Devils, made his name representing London outfits West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur but is a native to the northeast.
Indeed, he was born in Wallsend, a town just four miles from Newcastle City Centre, and began his career with Wallsend Boys Club – a youth team who also produced former Magpies Peter Beardsley, Lee Clark, Fraser Forster, Robbie Elliot and Steven Taylor to name a few.
United won 78% of the 18 Premier League fixtures in which the England international featured last season but he’s failed to have the same effect on the fifth-place side this term and has lasted the full 90 minutes just eight times in the Premier League.
The 34-year-old is reportedly keen to stay on at Old Trafford but United are yet to extend his contract past the summer. And according to The Times, should the situation remain the same come the end of the season, the Toon will look to facilitate Carrick’s long-awaited move to the northeast on a free transfer.