Burnley are scrambling to replace Chris Wood following the striker’s transfer to Newcastle United and former St James Park’ hero Andy Carroll has now hit Sean Dyche’s shortlist.
That’s according to 90min, who report the Clarets are giving thought to offering Carroll a return to the Premier League. The 33-year-old is currently with Reading after leaving the Magpies last summer, but his short-term Royals contract expires this weekend.
Newcastle released Carroll at the end of his deal last June having failed to recapture past glories under Steve Bruce. He spent the next five-months without a club before agreeing three-month terms with the Madejski Stadium natives in November.
Carroll’s contract with Reading expires after their Championship trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday. But boss Veljko Paunovic wants to keep the forward in Berkshire and has tabled new terms to the towering marksman.
However, Reading face competition from Burnley and a number of sides to keep Newcastle hero Carroll beyond the January transfer window. Clubs have taken note of the 6 ft 4 star’s run of games for the Royals, with a goal and an assist in five starts over seven appearances.
He also scored two spectacular efforts in Reading’s 7-0 thrashing at home to Fulham, which were ruled out for offside. Now, his form could land Carroll a return to the top-flight.
Newcastle hero Carroll to replace St James’ new boy Wood at Burnley?
Burnley are considering Carroll given his contractual situation at Reading following Wood’s £25m transfer to Newcastle. The Clarets did not anticipate signing a striker during January, but now have to act after the Toon elected to trigger the New Zealander’s release clause.
Carroll may serve as an emergency replacement as he can sign for free after the Royals face Middlesbrough. Any deal could make the Toon’s final day Premier League visit to Turf Moor all the more interesting, as well.
Carroll has played 134 games for the Magpies in his career, scoring 34 goals and 29 assists across all competitions. But only one goal came in 43 outings following his Tyneside return in 2019 under Bruce. He also provided four assists during his two-years back at St James’.
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