Newcastle United are tying chief scout Graham Carr down to a long-term deal.

The Mirror says Carr has signed an eight-year contract to keep him with the club until the age of 75.

Carr identified much of the talent in Alan Pardew's team that finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League, defying expectations of a season of struggle at St James' Park.

He has picked out the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Sylvain Marveaux, with the former Northampton and Blackpool manager becoming a key man on the Newcastle staff, delighting owner Mike Ashley in bringing in major talent to fit the club's limited budget.

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias said: "We are delighted to have agreed an eight-year deal with Graham, and very pleased that he has committed his long-term future to the club.

"He has been instrumental in helping us to bring some truly exceptional players to Newcastle United and he has deservedly built one of the best reputations in the business."