Nick Ware

Fri 8 January 2021 6:30, UK

Sam Allardyce has said there is no truth in rumours linking West Brom with a move for Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll.

With Karlan Grant out for up to six weeks after suffering a foot injury, West Brom are expected to move quickly to ensure they are not left short on options at the top end of the pitch.

Andy Carroll is one name that has been linked with a move to the Baggies [Daily Mail] after twice working with Allardyce before at Newcastle and West Ham.

However, speaking at his pre-Blackpool press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash on Saturday, Allardyce confirmed there’s nothing in reports that he is after Carroll, as indirectly quoted by Express and Star reporter Joseph Masi.

The Blackpool game is likely to see Allardyce ring the changes and striker Charlie Austin could be set for a chance as he seeks to impress and show the manager why he does not need to look to the market for a replacement.

Irrespective of performances in Saturday’s cup game rumours will fly about incoming strikers, but Allardyce’s comments have surely put any Carroll talk to bed.

Better options out there

Allardyce’s firm refusal might be news to the ears of Albion supporters.

Carroll scored a consolation for Newcastle in their 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Sunday but amazingly that was his first goal for just under two years (for West Ham v Birmingham on January 5 2019).

The Leicester goal means his second spell at Newcastle has yielded one goal in 33 appearances, with 28 of those games in the Premier League.

For that reason alone fans had every right to be concerned with West Brom links to the striker.

The Baggies are crying out for a prolific scorer to drag them to safety after scoring just 11 Premier League goals this season.

Grant’s injury is a blow to them but even he had only netted once before his enforced absence, with Callum Robinson and Conor Gallagher the only players to have scored more than once in the league this season (both twice).

For all of Carroll’s aerial qualities and hold-up play value it always seemed like a strange rumour given the need for goals in the side, especially with his poor injury history.

Now that Allardyce has ruled it out West Brom fans can breathe a sigh of relief, but it is still clear for all to see that bringing in a striker will be crucial if the Baggies are to stand a slim chance of survival.

In other West Brom news, see our predicted XI as Big Sam gets set to reshuffle his side against Blackpool.

Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.