Former West Ham United captain Nigel Reo-Coker has urged the Hammers to keep Andy Carroll at the London Stadium beyond the end of this month's transfer window.

Carroll has only scored two Premier League goals for West Ham this season, but it is understood that Chelsea are interested in signing the Englishman.

Indeed, a figure in the region of £20m has been mentioned as Chelsea look to provide competition for Alvaro Morata in the final third of the field.

Reo-Coker, however, has claimed that it would be a mistake if West Ham allowed Carroll to leave at this stage of the campaign.

Indeed, the club's former captain has said that 'selling him in the January window is not the right thing to do'.

Reo-Coker told Sky Sports News:

"Andy Carroll is a vital player for West Ham, even though they have picked up a few results lately.

"There's still a long way to go this season and he's a player they need to keep right now - for the team, the system and the way they play.

"On his day he can be a handful for even the best defenders in the Premier League and selling him in the January window is not the right thing to do."

Carroll, who is valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has netted 32 times in 124 appearances for West Ham since joining the club from Liverpool.

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