Former striker set to get St James’ Park return?
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Andy Carroll could be set to return to former club Newcastle United in the summer with the St James’ Park club consider an approach to re-sign him.
England international targetman Carroll made his name with his hometown club to join Liverpool two years in a £33million deadline day deal, but has endured a tough time over the past two seasons.
Carroll failed to fine regular football and goals at Anfield and was sent out on loan to West Ham for the entire season this year after new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers made him surplus to requirements.
He has, however, played just 12 games for West Ham and scored just two goals following injury problems – although one of those goals did come in the last game when netting a Premier League winner over Swansea City.
As part of the loan deal, West Ham have first refusal on Carroll and can buy him in the summer for £17million, but Newcastle United are set to place their hat into the ring to re-sign the 24-year-old, who scored 33 goals in 91 appearances for the St James’ Park club.
Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias told the Evening Chronicle: “We’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Andy here. He’s a character and he’s getting older and more mature – and he’s stronger.
“It’s unlucky what has happened at West Ham. But he scored a great goal at the weekend. He’s still got a house up here. Andy was part and parcel of our growth.”
Newcastle will spend the summer looking to bring in a replacement for Demba Ba, who left the club to join Chelsea for £7.5million in the January transfer window.