Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias has admitted interest in West Ham United striker Andy Carroll.

Carroll is on-loan at West Ham from Liverpool.

Llambias told the Evening Chronicle: "We've always had a bit of a soft spot for Andy here.

"He's a character and he's getting older and more mature - and he's stronger.

"It's unlucky what has happened at West Ham. But he scored a great goal at the weekend.

"He's still got a house up here. Andy was part and parcel of our growth."