West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has ruled out a raid on his former club for Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.
The £75,000-a-week star (Spotrac) got linked with a move to the Hawthorns earlier this month, with the Daily Mail claiming the 32-year-old was a possible target.
Carroll is out of contract in the summer, and has been playing second fiddle to Callum Wilson for most of the season.
But Allardyce has denied any interest in the player, stating on talkSPORT today: “No, I don’t think so.
“I don’t think Andy would be available anyway because he’s up there at Newcastle where he loves, so I can’t see Andy being available.”
The development comes after ex-Magpies boss Allardyce sealed his first win as Albion manager at the weekend with a 3-2 victory over Wolves in the Black Country derby.
Allardyce comments a boost for Newcastle
He may not be a reliable source of goals, but given Newcastle’s position right now it’s better to have him than not.
Ultimately, Carroll has the ability to bully defences and therefore create opportunities for other players.
He offers qualities than no one else in the squad can, and he really could come in handy if Newcastle are going to be fighting relegation.
It can be taken as a boost that Allardyce doesn’t want him, and a decision about another year at the club can be taken depending on how he fares over the next five months or so.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
