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The Times reported this week that Andy Carroll has played his final game for West Ham United after season-ending ankle injury, with a potential move to the MLS in the offing.

What's the word, then?

The 30-year-old may well have been hoping to earn a new contract at the London Stadium coming into the current campaign, but it has been the same old story for the striker who has suffered major injury issues once again.

The latest surgery which means he won't play again this term sums up Carroll's career with the Hammers, and with his contract up at the end of June he is set for the exit door.

When he has been on the pitch his height, strength and aerial ability has often been a useful tool for the east London outfit, and manager Manuel Pellegrini may well feel that he needs a like-for-like replacement during the summer transfer window.

Who is the answer?

With The Times reporting that Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez could be sold, West Ham may well be undertaking a complete transformation of their frontline in the coming months.

If they want a top-level physical striker to do what Carroll hasn't been able to on a consistent basis for them, then they should look no further than Eintracht Frankfurt star Sebastien Haller.

The 6 ft 3 hitman has been a huge hit ever since making the move to the Bundesliga outfit, scoring 32 goals in 74 appearances in all competitions.

It is not only his ability to put the ball in the back of the net that is impressive though – it is his all-round game, and the fact he has won an average of 7.2 aerial duels per game in the league in 2018/19 shows he is more than a match for Carroll.

The Frenchman has also provided 19 assists during his spell with the German club, and his ability to hold the ball up and create for his teammates would surely be brilliant news for the likes of Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko next term.

Because of his fine record he would likely come at a cost, but given he is 24 years of age and has the best years of his career ahead of him he would undoubtedly be an inspired addition.