Wigan and Birmingham are considering moves to lure former Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Carr away from Newcastle United.

The 31-year-old Dubliner is out of contract at the end of the season and managerless Newcastle may consider offers rather than lose him for free in the summer.

But Carr has struggled for fitness once again this season and has made just five appearance since the start of the campaign.

However, he returned for the reserves on Tuesday night having recovered from the damaged hamstring he sustained against Blackburn on December 1st.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is considering adding the fullback to his ranks and will be encouraged by comments made by Newcastle's reserve team boss Adam Sadler.

"Stephen Carr was different class for us last night," said Sadler after the defeat to Sunderland's reserves, a game in which Irish striker Anthony Stokes scored a brace.

"For all the young players we played last night he demonstrated an example of how to do their jobs. Stephen got through the game, which we are delighted about. It was a real positive."

Carr could yet figure in the senior team's Premier League game with Manchester United on Saturday. Caretaker manager Nigel Pearson will select the team as Sam Allardyce was sacked last night.

With Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye and Geremi all playing at the African Cup of Nations, Newcastle could do with a fit Carr in the side.