Wolves hunt Andy Carroll

Dec 13 2009 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

WOLVES are ready to test Newcastle United’s determination to hold onto England under-21 star Andy Carroll.

Mick McCarthy had a £3 million bid turned down in the summer but wants to add firepower and a bit of Premier League know how to his struggling squad.

And he will move again for Carroll if United decide to cash in on one of their star assets in the January transfer window.

The Gateshead-born forward hit the headlines for the wrong reason last weekend after being arrested following a fight in a Bigg Market nightclub.

But that has not put off potential suitors. As well as Wolves, Stoke City and West Ham are eyeing the forward.

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has always insisted he will not flog any of his star men in January and maintains that he has had assurances from the top brass at St James’ Park.

But it remains to be seen whether that is the case if big money bids are tabled for the likes of Kevin Nolan, Carroll or Steven Taylor.

Desperate not to disrupt a winning squad, Hughton’s priority remains bringing players in and he had talks with Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias this week to discuss potential targets.