[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...Newcastle are making medical checks on former striker Andy Carroll, per Lee Ryder of The Chronicle.

What's the story?

Ryder claims the Magpies have held “fresh discussions” in his full report, saying Carroll is keen to return to Tyneside.

Steve Bruce is said to be a “big fan” of the Gateshead-born 30 year-old, who is of course a free agent after departing West Ham at the end of last season.

Carroll underwent ankle surgery earlier this year, which is likely why the club are so intent to carry out fitness checks before they proceed.

A different option

In his first spell at Newcastle, Carroll smashed in 33 goals and provided 21 assists in 90 appearances, before sealing a whopping £35m move to Liverpool.

After a relatively unsuccessful spell with the Reds he moved to east London, where injuries have significantly hampered his career.

He has still managed to find 34 goals and 17 assists in 142 games for West Ham though, and with Newcastle seemingly taking all the necessary precautions with his fitness, this could be an excellent swoop for the club.

Not only is he free, a local lad who knows the area, loves the club and an experienced top-flight forward, he also offers something completely different to Joelinton, who is not the kind of old fashioned number nine to flick balls on and aim for in the box when the clock is running down and the playmakers are out of ideas.

Having Carroll, who has averaged over eight aerial wins per game in four different seasons in his career, coming in at 6.2 per game across his entire career, per Whoscored, gives Bruce a truly unique option. An elite target man who, even if he doesn't score, will naturally make an impact due to his size and willingness to jump for every long ball.

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