Andy Carroll set to sign for Newcastle United

The striker has had medical checks over a move to the club as a free agent.

Gateshead-born Carroll, recovering from an ankle operation, has been out of contract since leaving West Ham United earlier this summer.

The 30-year-old was sold to Liverpool for £35million in January 2011.

United need to complete the deal by 5pm tomorrow, when clubs need to submit their Premier League squads.