Steve Howey doesn't think that failing to bring in another striker could result in Newcastle re-signing Andy Carroll.

Following a disappointing second spell with his boyhood club, Carroll was released at the end of last season after scoring just once across all competitions last season.

Carroll's departure leaves Steve Bruce with just three strikers at his disposal, and two of them in Dwight Gayle and Joelinton have struggled to add goals in recent seasons.

But despite Carroll's exit being confirmed almost one month ago, Newcastle's tight transfer budget means that Bruce has been unable to sign a replacement and help first-choice Callum Wilson with the workload.

The capture of Joe Willock should take the pressure off him, but an injury to the ex-Bournemouth striker could leave Bruce short on numbers.

However, whilst Carroll has been unable to find another club and therefore remains a free agent, Howey doesn't think Newcastle will consider bringing him back to St James' Park.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

"I thought he was on that [short-term] deal anyway, but I'll be surprised if he goes back, because they let him go."