Report: West Ham United contact lawyers over Andy Carroll deal

West Ham United owners David Sullivan and David Gold are reportedly in talks with the club's legal representatives in a bid to ensure that Andy Carroll remains at Upton Park.

The 23-year-old England international joined the Hammers on an initial season-long loan from Liverpool last Thursday.

However, following the Reds' failure to replace Carroll on transfer deadline day, there have been rumours that Anfield bosses may try to recall the big forward in January.

According to The Sun, Sullivan and Gold are adamant that Carroll will remain in East London for the whole season.

The duo are also said to believe that they can make the move permanent whenever they want for a previously agreed fee, which is thought to be in the region of £18m.

Carroll, who joined Liverpool for £35m in January 2011, has scored two senior international goals in seven appearances for England.