It’s customary for Newcastle United to be linked with former striker Andy Carroll in the build-up to every transfer window – and there’s no exception this time around.
The Mirror report that Steve McClaren is eager to bring the 6ft 4in Geordie back to his native Tyneside in January to lead the Magpies’ charge up the Premier League table.
Since his big money move to Liverpool in January, 2011, Carroll has desperately struggled to recapture the glittering form that made him the most sought-after young striker in English football.
Carroll’s disappointing two-year stint at Anfield came to an end when he joined West Ham for £15million two years ago and, despite showing glimpses of his undoubted talent with the Hammers, the 26-year-old’s spell in East London has been blighted by injury.
Carroll is a popular figure in the West Ham dressing room however there are big question marks over the striker’s future under Croatian manager Slaven Billic – whose expansive style of play seems more suited to Senegalese forward Diafre Sakho.
Carroll is currently sitting on a hefty £80,000 a week contract at the Boleyn Ground and the West Ham hierarchy may be tempted to move the powerful Englishman on if he doesn’t play a prominent role in Billic’s plans going forward.
Big earner Papiss Cisse looks likely to leave St.James Park in the upcoming window, freeing up a significant space on Newcastle’s wage bill as well as a striking spot in McClaren’s squad.
After recently setting his sights on a recall to Roy Hodgson’s England squad ahead of this summer’s European Championships, a return to boyhood club Newcastle could be exactly what Carroll needs to rediscover his best form.
