THERE was further evidence of Rafael Benitez's power on transfer targets at St James' Park tonight when Graham Carr's seven-year stint as chief scout came to an end.

Carr, who has been the Magpies' main talent spotter since taking on the role towards the end of the 2009-10 promotion season, was five years into an eight year contract.

But he has reached an agreement with the Newcastle hierarchy to leave the club by mutual consent and there is now a review of the club's scouting operation.

Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley said: “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.”

Newcastle have suggested they will make further announcements on the club's scouting network in due course, although Benitez is known to like to have greater control on transfer targets.

Carr was handed his long term contract at Newcastle after successfully spotting a number of players who went on to make a sizeable profit for the club, like Yohan Cabaye, Matthieu Debuchy and Moussa Sissoko. Other impressive signings he recommended included Papiss Cisse and Cheick Tiote.

Now Benitez and Newcastle are looking to head in a different direction as the Newcastle boss looks to make the necessary adjustments to his squad ahead of life back in the Premier League.