Andy Carroll wants return to Newcastle United?

Andy Carroll is reportedly keen to secure a permanent move away from Liverpool and return to former club Newcastle United in the summer.

The 23-year-old switched to West Ham United ahead of this year's campaign on a season-long loan from Anfield but his career at the Hammers has been stuttered due to a number of injury woes.

It is understood that Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has told Carroll that he can leave the Merseyside outfit in the summer but instead of seeking a full-time role at West Ham, the frontman is thought to prefer a return to the North-East, according to the Daily Star.

Carroll was the subject of some controversy earlier this month when a press photographer accused the Geordie of assaulting him during a night out in Dublin.