According to Sky Sports, Chelsea target Andy Carroll, who has scored 52 Premier League goals during his career, could be available for just £20m this month with West Ham United willing to sell him if they receive the right offer.

What's the word, then?

Well, Sky Sports says that the Irons are ready to let the striker leave the London Stadium before the January transfer window slams shut, with the 29-year-old attracting interest from the Premier League holders.

Sky Sports says that the Blues have already contacted their London neighbours about a permanent deal for the centre-forward, as they look to provide cover for Alvaro Morata.

How has Carroll done this season?

It has been another injury-hit campaign for the 29-year-old, who has scored two goals and provided a further assist in 12 Premier League appearances.

The striker has largely played a bit-part role in recent weeks with Marko Arnautovic impressing in the centre-forward position, and he was left out of the squad completely for the wins against Huddersfield Town in the top flight and Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in recent days.

One of Carroll's main strengths is his ability to win the ball in the air, and according to WhoScored.com he has won 70 of the 118 aerial duels he has faced in 12 Premier League games this season.

Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?

As a back-up to Morata he certainly would be, and he would give Antonio Conte a different option from the substitutes' bench.

However, his injury record would certainly be a worry, and the Premier League holders would need to work out how they can keep the 29-year-old fit and available – especially if they sign him and lose Michy Batshuayi this month.

Is he worth £20m?

Considering he has scored 52 times in 195 top flight matches he probably is, and he would certainly provide that nasty and strong force up top that Chelsea have been missing in the absence of Diego Costa.

His injury record is a concern, but £20m isn't a big outlay for the Blues in the current transfer climate and they wouldn't be too worried even if the move didn’t work out.

It still remains to be seen whether the Premier League holders will push ahead with a move though, considering the 29-year-old failed when he joined Liverpool in a big-money deal previously.

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