West Ham have emerged as surprise candidates to sign Andy Carroll from Liverpool according to The Guardian.

The England international striker has had an inconsistent time on Merseyside after his big-money transfer from Newcastle back in January 2011, and is thought to be available on loan.

New Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is yet to decide on whether Carroll will be part of his plans at the Anfield club, and the burly targetman has been linked with loan deals elsewhere.

After winning promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, the Hammers are eager to bolster their squad and a shock move for Carroll is being touted.

The report indicates that the forward would move to Upton Park on a season-long loan basis initially, with a £15 million move to Sam Allardyce's side happening if both sides were happy next summer.

By Gareth McKnight

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