West Brom set to sign Andy Carroll, could be available for Saturday clash

Fri 28 January 2022 11:52, UK

West Brom look like they will have a new striking option available for the clash with Millwall on Saturday, as Andy Carroll could be in the squad.

BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone is reporting that the former England international is due to sign for the Baggies today (28 January), and that he could be included in the trip to London.

The forward is expected to sign until the end of the season, having become a free agent when his contract at Reading expired last month.

Manager Valerien Ismael had previously admitted the club were working behind the scenes to replace Daryl Dike after the January signing was ruled out for eight weeks with injury.

After the absence was confirmed the French boss said, via Express and Star: “It’s clear that we needed to assess the situation again and see what we can get on the market.

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“We have had a lot of phone calls to see what names we can put on the list – to see what is on the market.

“We have got our target number one, we spent a lot of money on him.

“It could only be a short-term deal, it will have to be a player who can help us straight away.”

Needed help

The start of 2022 has been a mess at the Hawthorns, with the excitement provided by the £7million arrival of Dike from Orlando City quickly dashed with the news he had been ruled out.

Results have been poor and pressure on the manager has increased.

During the 2-0 defeat to Preston North End on Wednesday the home fans booed and chanted the name of former manager Slaven Bilic.

Some fans have turned here in the Smethwick End. Chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" which might have come from away fans, I couldn't tell. Then came "Valerien Ismael, your football is shit" which was definitely from home fans. #WBA
— Steve Madeley (@SteveMadeley78) January 22, 2022

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Even during the victory over Peterborough United at the weekend the Baggies laboured for nearly 80 minutes to break the deadlock, with both sets of fans singing songs against Ismael, according to Steve Madeley of The Athletic.

Jordan Hugill is stuck in limbo on loan from Norwich, having scored only once this season and apparently surplus requirements.

So ex-West Ham and Newcastle forward Carroll will be needed to chip in as soon as possible as the season threatens to spiral out of control.

He scored twice in eight appearances at Reading.

On other West Brom news, this first teamer could leave the club following a row.