West Brom boss Sam Allardyce responds to Jim White question on reported Andy Carroll interest

The veteran boss oversaw his first Albion win on Saturday after taking over from Slaven Bilic at The Hawthorns in December, and despite his side putting three past Wolves in a dramatic Black Country derby victory, it is understood that he is on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.

Last month, a report from the Mirror suggested that Big Sam could turn to 31-year-old Carroll, who he previously managed at both St. James’ Park and during his time at West Ham.

But it would appear that the Baggies boss holds little hope of landing the target man in the coming weeks.

Speaking on talkSPORT, when asked by host Jim White if there were any truth to the rumours, Allardyce responded: “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.”

Carroll has endured a mixed spell since returning to his boyhood club in 2019.

The forward has had to put up with a number of injuries, and has struck just once in 34 outings since moving back to Tyneside.

That strike came as a consolation in a recent Premier League defeat at the hands of Leicester City, but despite his lean spell in front of goal, Magpies manager Steve Bruce seemingly still values him as a physical presence who can diversify his frontline in difficult situations.

Carroll’s current Magpies contract expires in six months, with no extension agreed at this stage.