Sam Allardyce admits West Ham United can’t afford to sign Andy Carroll.
Having endured a difficult 18 months at Liverpool following his £35million move from Newcastle United in January 2011, Carroll has spent the season on loan at Upton Park. Although injuries have restricted him to just 20 appearances, he has still impressed when available.
The 24-year-old notched his sixth goal of the season in the 1-1 draw at Southampton on Saturday, a result which edges his temporary club ever closer to safety. A deal has been verbally agreed for the permanent transfer of the England international at the end of the season, but Allardyce admits the Hammers may have to pull the plug due to the finances involved.
“The hardest thing is the overall package and making sure it is sustainable,” he said. “I point to financial restrictions being implemented next season that will blow the whole deal in one go. Someone will have a bigger budget than us probably but this is what is going to happen. In one fell swoop the financial restrictions mean we won’t be able to sign Andy Carroll from Liverpool because it is too expensive, even if we wanted him, which we do.”
It is believed Liverpool want at least £17million for Carroll, who has also been the subject of interest from his former club. Alan Pardew wanted to take the striker back to St James Park ahead of the current season, but the Reds refused to allow him to return on loan so soon after they had splashed out a club record fee to sign him from the Tyneside outfit.
