West Ham United striker Andy Carroll wants to return to Newcastle United. The England striker is on a season-long loan at West Ham United, but has been told by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers that he can leave in the summer.

Although Carroll has settled in London, and can play the style of football demanded by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, his first choice would be a return to St James' Park.

Toon fans were stunned when their local hero left two years ago, and boss Alan Pardew considered trying to bring Carroll back on loan before he ended up at West Ham.

Now Carroll believes a cash-plus-player deal, possibly involving Toon top scorer Demba Ba, could provide a route back to his beloved North East, says the Daily Star.