West Ham Transfer News: Andy Carroll Passes Medical, Will Join For £15 Million

passed his medical with West Ham United ahead of his £15 million move to Upton Park. The 24-year old cost Liverpool £35 million in 2011 when the Reds signed the striker from Newcastle United, but spent all of last season on loan with the Hammers. The transfer fee was agreed last month but the move had stalled up until now with the England international unsure over the transfer before a World Cup year. But now the move is on the verge of completion despite concerns over his fitness. Due to the size of the fee and also taking into account the player's former injury problems, the medical was expected to be a thorough one, but Hammer's chairman David Gold Tweeted that the player had passed "with flying colours". He posted on the micro-social networking site:

"We managed to bring Andy's medical forward and I am delighted to inform you that he has passed with flying colours."

The 24-year old fell awkwardly in West Ham's final game of the season, picking up a heel injury that consequently ruled him out for England's two post-season friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. He has also previously struggled with hamstring and knee injuries which which left him on the sidelines for much of the first half of last season, limiting him to just 23 appearances. But he still managed to impress club officials by scoring 7 times during his loan spell, prompting West Ham to make his stay permanent. Carroll was signed from Newcastle by former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish for £35 million, a fee which still remains a record sum paid for a British player. But his stay at Anfield was short-lived and he failed to justify the price tag by managing to score just six times in 44 outings. Dalglish's exit from the club and the arrival of Brendan Rodgers heralded a new style of play on Merseyside and it soon became apparent there would be no place for Carroll in the Northern Irishman's set-up, and he was loaned to West Ham in late August 2012.