Newcastle United have once again been linked with a move for their former striker Andy Carroll - should the price be right. It is customary every transfer window that the Magpies are linked to the Geordie striker and The Chronicle have stated that Newcastle would countenance a move for Carroll if West Ham United were willing to accept a cut-price fee. The Hammers parted with £15 million to sign Carroll from Liverpool in the summer of 2013 but he has been consistently injured during his time at Upton Park and their new boss may decide they want to build a side without the England forward. Newcastle are keen to increase the number of English and British players in their squad - and in particular they would love to be able to field a greater number of Geordies, with Carroll obviously fitting the bill on that front. The Sun already claimed earlier this summer that the 6ft 4in Hammers forward is desperate to return to the North East after four-and-a-half years away from his boyhood club - and that the 26-year-old will look to push through a move this summer. Gateshead-born Carroll rose up through the Magpies ranks, scoring 33 goals in 91 appearances for Newcastle - including 19 during the 2009-10 Championship-winning season and 11 following promotion back to the Premier League. However, he left hastily under a cloud when Liverpool paid a staggering £35 million for his services in January 2011. The transfer to the Anfield outfit did not work out though, and he moved to West Ham United - initially on loan during the 2012-13 season - before signing permanently for the east Londoners for £15 million. The nine-cap England forward has netted 14 goals in 54 appearances for the Hammers since, having been blighted by injuries during his time in London. Yet Carroll grew up supporting Newcastle and he has loved the club since he was a boy, but being booed on his return visits to St James Park since has been in his own words painful. There have also been claims that the powerful centre-forward has turned down the opportunity to return to the North East on a couple of occasions, although this has never been confirmed. CLICK HERE to read about 20 other English Players Newcastle United must consider signing this summer.For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
