This is why Newcastle United are racing to complete Andy Carroll deal

Newcastle United are in talks with Andy Carroll over a return to St James’s Park.
Andy Carroll.Andy Carroll.
Andy Carroll.

The striker, recovering from ankle surgery, is a free agent after leaving West Ham United in the summer.

Newcastle had considered a move for the 30-year-old last month, and the Gazette understands a move could yet happen.

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Gateshead-born Carroll, sold to Liverpool for £35million in January 2011, is reportedly keen on a return to Tyneside.

A deal would have to be done by tomorrow because of Premier League’s 25-man squad rules. United would not be allowed to leave a space in their squad free in case they might want to sign Carroll, or another free agent, after the deadline – as the club MUST name 25 players if it has enough on its books.

Head coach Steve Bruce has more than enough players to fill the a 25-man squad, even accounting for deadline day loan departures. Then-manager Rafa Benitez had to name defender Achraf Lazaar in his 25-man squad last season even though he had no intention of playing him as there was one space left – and Lazaar was eligible to fill it.

Premier League clubs must submit their squads by 5pm tomorrow, so any deal for Carroll would have to be done by that deadline.

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Carroll – who has been plagued by ankle problems throughout his career – had an operation late last season. He played 102 Premier League games – and scored 26 goals – for West Ham in his six years at the club.

Check out our NUFC transfer deadline day blog here