Alan Pardew denies Andy Carroll rumours

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has dismissed speculation linking Andy Carroll with a return to Tyneside.

The 23-year-old has struggled for form and fitness since swapping Newcastle for Liverpool last January in a £35m deal.

Recent reports have linked the England international with a return to the Magpies, but Pardew has moved to cool the rumours.

"I think it's unfair on the Newcastle public and I think it's unfair on Andy," said the boss.

"It was speculative journalism that had no foundation."

Carroll has made three appearances for England.