Allardyce rebuffs talk of swoop for Newcastle star, but confirms striker hunt

Sam Allardyce TEAMtalk

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he wants to sign a striker this month, but it will not be Andy Carroll.

Reports emerged earlier this week linking Carroll with a move to West Brom that would see him reunite with Allardyce.

He previously played under the one-time England manager at both Newcastle and West Ham. The past few years have been difficult for the centre-forward, though.

Carroll finally got his first goal since returning to Newcastle in 2019 in their defeat to Leicester at the weekend.

It was a well-taken strike that may be the beginning of a revival late in his career. However, he still has work to do to become a regular again for Newcastle.

Therefore, there have been rumours that he could continue his career elsewhere. A reunion with Allardyce would seem to make sense, especially with the West Brom boss looking for a player in that position.

However, when asked if he would be pursuing Carroll this month, Allardyce simply replied: “No.

“I’m looking for a front man, but I don’t believe Andy is available at the moment.

 

“Steve (Bruce) like everybody else needs all his options at this particularly difficult time.

“I’m not looking at Andy. I am looking at a front man and hopefully that will be coming through the door as quickly as possible, but that would be from abroad rather than this country.”

Snodgrass set to complete move

Robert Snodgrass West Ham

One signing that Allardyce is making no secret of, though, is Robert Snodgrass.

Reports have suggested that the Scotland winger is close to joining Albion, and Allardyce expects the move to go through before the weekend.

“I think as long as the medical goes alright, by tomorrow Robert Snodgrass will be a West Bromwich Albion player, which I’m delighted with,” Allardyce said.

“I’m delighted that he’s chosen to take up the challenge with us and trying to bring us a bit more Premier League experience and quality into the squad.”

READ MORE: Allardyce reveals Brexit has already battered West Brom transfer plans