Andy Carroll engaged to former 'TOWIE' star Billi Mucklow

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has announced his engagement to former The Only Way Is Essex reality star Billi Mucklow.

The couple, who are believed to have been dating for almost a year, jetted out to Rome over the weekend to celebrate Mucklow's birthday.

Rumours about the engagement emerged when friends sent their congratulations via social media, but now the couple have confirmed the news.

Carroll posted a picture to Instagram of his new fiancee showing off a diamond ring, with the message: "It was a standard YES!!!"

A photo posted by Andy Carroll (@andytcarroll) on Nov 11, 2014 at 12:52am PST