West Ham want to spend how much on Andy Carroll?

According to reports today, West Ham are prepared to break the bank to bring Andy Carroll to Upton Park.

It is an open secret now that new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers doesn’t really fancy Andy Carroll. The long-haired striker showed a bit of form at the end of last season but it seems Rodgers is prepared to let Carroll go on loan, or even sell him.

Newcastle were the favourites to bring Carroll back to the black and white stripes but Sam Allardyce has always liked a big striker and he is now prepared to spend a fortune to get his hands on Carroll.

In today’s Daily Mirror it is reported that the Hammers have bid £17million to bring Carroll to London. It would begin as a lon deal but would include a committment to buy the 23-year-old. That is half of what Liverpool spent just 18 months ago to prise Carroll from Newcastle but the Reds are said to want at least £20m for the England man.

Newcastle had a £13m bid for Carroll turned down last week and Liverpool must now be hoping that both clubs will enter a bidding war and get the price up to the desired £20m.

It is also reported elsewhere that Carroll doesn't want to join West Ham, preferring to go back to Newcastle but money talks so don't be surprised to see Kevin Nolan pinging balls towards Carroll again very soon.