Andy Carroll is understood to be disappointed that Newcastle United are not set to make a move for him this summer. The England striker made frequent returns to Tyneside and was keen to be back in the north next season – whether that had been at Newcastle or Liverpool. But after United shelved their interest in the striker, he is now looking at his other options. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew had expressed a public interest in the Geordie boy in one of his final Press conferences of the season. However, the Magpies have been keen to get the message out that they are mulling over other targets ahead of the England international. The former United number 9 emerged as the player Newcastle fans most wanted to sign this summer with 41.1% of voters in the recent Big Toon Survey making their feelings abundantly clear. Carroll’s price tag is thought to have dipped to £15m – still more than twice as much as United are prepared to pay. A source close to Carroll, currently nursing a foot injury, told the Chronicle: “Andy was open to a move back home but it looks like that isn’t on the agenda at Newcastle now so he is considering his options. “He was disappointed as a Geordie lad but his main aim is to get over his current injury then get as many games under his belt as possible.” The Chronicle understands Carroll held fresh talks with Brendan Rodgers before he jetted off on holiday and while the Liverpool boss could not guarantee first-team football, he did cite the likes of Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing as examples of players that have battled back to the big stage after being told they could leave. But with the 24-year-old expecting to be ruled out until September and the Reds not playing in the Europa League, Carroll’s chances of first-team football would be limited. That is far from ideal for the Teams lad who is now heading into a World Cup year having been briefed by Roy Hodgson he must be under the spotlight to ensure his squad place should England qualify. Due to Carroll’s height and aerial power he has been told he has an excellent chance of selection as one of the four or five forwards in Hodgson’s final roster but only if he is playing regularly. Therefore West Ham United, who are desperate to make him their marquee signing this summer, would provide an increasingly viable option. Carroll held a long discussion with Sam Allardyce before departing the Hammers after his loan stint last term, and was assured they would continue to play to his strengths. Carroll has said little on his future but did say before his vacation: “I’ve really enjoyed it at West Ham. I have worked hard to get myself back in the England squad, trying to play my best for West Ham, so I am really pleased about that. I just have to make sure I keep playing well to stay in there.” Reports yesterday indicated that Carroll, who still has three years left on his deal at Liverpool and does not have to leave, is looking for �100,000 per week from West Ham. Although player demands are always mooted at this time of year it is thought that Carroll has yet to see any written offer of a contract and he is still on holiday in the United States. JAMES
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:42:46 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015