England star’s return would bolster Newcastle’s top six aspirations
Published:Andy Carroll will link up with Liverpool next week, with his future at Anfield far from certain.
The striker, who cost a British record £35million only last January, is not thought to suit the playing style of new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, and the Merseyside outfit are therefore believed to be willing to let him go.
Carroll though, determined to fight for his place, reportedly sees a loan move back to Newcastle as the only option he would consider in terms of an exit.
Such news is disheartening to AC Milan and Aston Villa, who both hoped to land the striker for around £20million, funds which would have enabled Liverpool to bring in Fulham forward Clint Dempsey.
It could prove a masterstroke by Toon boss Alan Pardew to re-sign Carroll however, as he hopes to add the Gateshead-born frontman to a side that unexpectedly qualified for the Europa League via a sixth place league finish last term.
Whilst many believe Newcastle will prove to be one season wonders, the quality in their ranks suggests another impressive campaign could be in the offing, and England striker Carroll would significantly improve their squad further.
He would initially join on a loan basis, with a view to a £20million move being completed next summer, depending on the success of the player and respective clubs during the arrangement.
An improvement on last year’s sixth place finish for the Magpies would seem certain to clinch a permanent deal for Carroll, and Newcastle, who occupied a top four spot for much of last season, are 7/1 to qualify for the Champions League in 2012/2013.
Their attacking department will be largely contributory if they are to perform as impressively as last term meanwhile, with Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and potentially Carroll forging one of the most fearsome forward contingents in the league.
All appear in the betting for the Premier League Golden Boot award this season, with Cisse a 16/1 shot, Ba a 25/1 hope, and Carroll, highly impressive at Euro 2012, a big 33/1 for the accolade.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
