West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is still hopeful of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent basis and believes his best is yet to come.

Carroll is still only 24 years old and the Hammers boss feels he is still two years away from his prime.

The former Newcastle striker has been on impressive form for the East Enders in past two months, netting five goals and causing havoc in both penalty areas.

Sir Alex Ferguson was unimpressed with West Ham’s tactics as United once again failed to leave Upton Park with a win but Carroll clearly left his mark on the Champions elect.

Allardyce is hoping that a deal for Carroll will happen at the end of the season and it is only finances that are getting in the way.

"The next move is a critical one for him. It's about playing, improving and scoring goals” Allardyce told the Daily Mirror.

“That next move has to implement all of that for the team he plays for and him. He, for me, and that team will be successful.

"He is still developing and is not in his prime. He is still two or so years from his prime.

"Considering what he can grow into with those talents - and something nobody has got which is size; physical presence, with talent - if you marry those together, his threat is a very big talent indeed, and a very difficult one to stop.

"We would love it to work out as a long-term prospect. But things need to be done and identified at the end of the season.

"I don't see any problem with him being in London. They are good in terms of bonding as a team - he has slipped in really well with Kevin Nolan and others. He is also big buddies with Joey O'Brien."

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