Liverpool striker Andy Carroll will only sign permanently for West Ham United if manager Sam Allardyce stays in charge.

The People says he has massive respect for Allardyce after the Irons chief rescued him from a difficult spell at Anfield.

And the hitman is also big pals with West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan, who he struck a firm bond with during their Newcastle playing days.

Sources close to Carroll said: "The only way Andy will join West Ham on a permanent deal in the summer is if Big Sam is still the manager."