Newcastle return possible for out-of-favour Liverpool hitman

Alerted by the news that Andy Carroll may be available for a knockdown fee this summer, Newcastle have entered the hunt for a player they sold for £35m just over two years ago.

And there seems a good chance that Alan Pardew will land his man, especially in light of Brendan Rodgers’ proclamation that Liverpool haven’t missed the striker’s presence during his loan spell at West Ham this season.

The Hammers themselves are keen on making Carroll’s move permanent, but a previously-discussed £17m fee to tie up a deal is a significant stumbling block.

Sam Allardyce could afford to pay in the region of £10m for the England international, a price he deems fair in light of the 24-year-old’s persistent injury troubles this term.

But with Newcastle also willing to meet such an asking price, it is almost certain that the Gateshead-born forward would preference a move back to Tyneside.

The signing of a striker is a priority for Magpies chief Pardew, who has also expressed an interest in St. Etienne attacker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, after enjoying much recent success in recruiting players from the French top flight.

But in search of a replacement for Demba Ba, Pardew would likely favour a move for Carroll, as he aims to add more physicality to his frontline.

It is believed that the Toon boss has been frustrated by his side’s non-threatening nature from set-pieces, and in particular their inability to find the net from corners.

The addition of Carroll would seem an ideal solution to such problems, and Liverpool’s interest in Hatem Ben Arfa could further improve Newcastle’s chances of securing the striker’s return.

Reds manager Rodgers is expected to return for winger Ben Arfa this summer, after having a ‘derisory’ offer rejected for the Frenchman in January.

And there seems scope for a deal to be reached with Carroll moving one way, and Ben Arfa in the other direction during the coming close-season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.