Deals still in works despite Carr Toon exit

Chief Sports Writer LIFE after Graham Carr at Newcastle United is already well under way at St James’ Park.

His departure will not affect the Magpies’ capture of Eibar centreback Florian Lejeune with Newcastle hoping they complete that deal in the coming days.

Rafa Benitez then hopes that a couple of deals will follow swiftly and that the squad will have some new faces in before pre-season training starts on July 3.

United fans woke up to reports linking Newcastle Manchester City’s £8million-rated Brazilian Fernando but it is believed no approach has been made yet.

The same can be said for Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic, who Newcastle have been linked with several times this summer.

The 22-year-old’s agent is trying to get Simunovic a move to a bigger club but the Magpies have made no approach for his services.

And in today’s Daily Mirror there is a report suggesting there is interest in Liverpool midfielder Sheyi Ojo.

Newcastle showed some interest in the 20-year-old in January and he is still believed to be on the radar if a loan deal can be agreed.

Chief scout Carr left Newcastle last night with managing director Lee Charnley commenting: “It has been my pleasure to work with Graham over the last seven years as both a colleague and a friend.

“He can count some of Newcastle’s most successful players in recent years as his ‘finds’.

“Everyone connected with Newcastle United wishes Graham the very best for the future.”