Report: Steve Bruce opts against Newcastle return for Andy Carroll

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The Daily Mirror have claimed that Steve Bruce has decided not to pursue a deal for striker Andy Carroll, a move which would have seen the target man return to St. James’ Park – eight years after leaving the club.

Carroll, 30, joined Liverpool for a £35million fee back in January 2011 after scoring 33 goals in 90 Newcastle appearances. Still only 21 years of age, Kenny Dalglish opted to spend big on the powerful striker.

He struggled to cope with the pressure and scored just 11 goals in 58 games before joining West Ham, where injuries have struck in the past couple of seasons. It saw the Hammers opt against renewing his contract.

Newcastle have been linked with a move since Steve Bruce took over on Tyneside from Rafa Benitez, with The Toon lacking in the striker department following the loss of Salomon Rondon, Ayoze Perez and Joselu.

But it is now believed Bruce has opted against a move for free agent Carroll, with Dwight Gayle and new signing Joelinton his options. Allan Saint-Maximin can also play up front.

TBR’s view – Carroll too expensive to act as Newcastle cover

Taking romance out of the situation in which a return to Newcastle for Carroll is likely to be welcomed by player and fans, the striker was earning a huge £90,000-a-week deal (Spotrac) in London.

Getting anywhere close to that figure would be deemed expensive – and a very big risk at that, given Carroll’s injury woes. Yes, a good player, but Carroll is 31 in January and does not fit Mike Ashley’s model.

It is the right decision to ignore the lure of a reunion.