Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has effectively ruled out signing for Newcastle United after telling ESPN that he cannot imagine playing for another club in England.

What's the latest?

Carrick could be coming to the end of his United career given that his contract expires at the end of the season and it is uncertain whether he will be offered fresh terms at Old Trafford.

The England international has been a long-time servant for the Red Devils, spending almost 11 years at the club and winning 10 major trophies.

According to the Chronicle, the Magpies made efforts to enquire about Carrick's availability over the past two summer transfer windows, but the player has remained at United.

Once again, the midfielder's future is up in the air, but he has all but ruled out a potential switch to Newcastle - the team he supported as a boy.

Carrick told ESPN:

"I have had so many good times here that I couldn't play anywhere else in England. I must admit I would find it difficult to play anyone else in this country after playing here. I don't think I could do that."

Would a move have been realistic anyway?

Even if Carrick was open to joining another English club, there is no guarantee that he would have selected Newcastle.

Of course, growing up as a supporter would have helped the Magpies' cause, but wages would have been a potential stumbling block.

Carrick is likely to be on a top-level salary considering that he plays for one of the biggest, if not the biggest, clubs in England.

Newcastle may not have the financial clout to meet the midfielder's wage demands.

For the Magpies, though, it would have been a huge coup to land Carrick's signature, particularly as his experience would have helped Rafael Benitez's side in their bid to retain Premier League status.

As we know, Newcastle have not yet secured promotion back to the top flight, but they are on course to do so as they sit eight points above the playoff spots.

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