Maybe we should have seen this one coming.
Every transfer window, there are a few rumours you can put your mortgage on emerging. Julian Draxler to Arsenal, Nicolas Gaitan to Manchester United, Leandro Damiao probably still being linked with Tottenham.
When Sam Allardyce became West Bromwich Albion boss in December, we probably should have predicted interest in Andy Carroll.
The pair worked together at West Ham United, with Allardyce ultimately a big fan of the injury-prone target man, who is an ideal fit for Allardyce’s style.
West Brom need a striker with Karlan Grant out injured, so it’s now no great surprise that the Daily Mail report that Allardyce is keen on Carroll.
Carroll is out of contract at the end of the season having only signed a one-year extension last summer, and Newcastle may be tempted to let him go.
Yes, he’s a boyhood Newcastle fan, and his return has been emotional for him, but Carroll – who scored against Leicester City on Sunday – has only played 210 minuets of Premier League action this season.
Newcastle fans have been taking to Twitter to react to the rumours, with some offering to pay his bus fare or even drive him to The Hawthorns themselves if West Brom want him.
Many believe that Carroll’s return just hasn’t worked out, and it’s time to let him go again if Allardyce does really want a reunion with the Baggies.
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