Newcastle Transfers: 10 Potential January Signings Benitez Must Consider
6. Andy Carroll - West Ham United
It wouldn't be a transfer window without the former frontman being linked with a return.
The 6ft3 striker's 'homecoming' is always firmly on the lips of the press whenever the transfer window opens and with the Toon struggling for goals it could be a sensible move - if he can prove his fitness.
His ability isn't in doubt - Chelsea have also been linked with the Gateshead-born forward - and he would bring with him attributes that Newcastle is severely lacking. However, whenever he has moved previously, he's commanded a high fee, be it on loan or permanently, and his high wages would presumably be baulked at by Newcastle's tight-fisted owner.
He's clearly getting frustrated in London and recently urged ex-Mackem boss David Moyes to play him more for the Hammers as he aims to sneak onto the plane for the World Cup in Russia this summer and you'd like to think that a move back to his native North East could be a great piece of business for both parties.