Newcastle finally land Carrick, with Michael’s younger brother Graeme set to join as Under-18s coach

Graeme Carrick, the younger brother of former England star Michael, is set to join Newcastle United as Under-18s coach as the club’s off-the-field restructuring continues.

The 37-year-old has been employed by the Football Association for 15 years, most recently as a youth coach developer, and has an excellent reputation within the game.

Carrick, like his brother, was on the books at West Ham as a youngster but injury curtailed his career and he returned to his native North-East to coach at Newcastle’s academy in 2005.

He has retained good links with his boyhood club and will now take up the Under-18s role vacated by former Newcastle defender Peter Ramage.

Ramage is assisting former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi as the club’s loan manager.

Carrick has a good relationship with Newcastle’s sporting director Dan Ashworth and his arrival is seen as another key step in strengthening the club’s academy.

Meanwhile, the club has made an improved club-record offer for Leicester City’s James Maddison in the hope that a deal can be agreed this week. 

Sources say the second bid is in excess of £40million after a structured package of £35m was rejected last week.

However, it is still some way short of Leicester’s £60m asking price and a compromise would have to be reached if the deal is to progress. The Magpies have been given encouragement that the 25-year-old is interested in a move to Tyneside.