Carroll set to stay with Newcastle

By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent

Andy Carroll has pledged his future to Newcastle United amid speculation he will move on in the January transfer window.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for Carroll, who made his England debut against France last month, and he is known to have been close to Chris Hughton. However, a source close to the player told ESPNsoccernet moments after the appointment of Alan Pardew that Carroll wants to stay at St James's Park.

"Andy is not going anywhere, especially in the January transfer window, for a number of reasons," the source said. "He loves Newcastle, he loves the fans, he loves the ground. He is a Geordie who loves the club and who sees his entire career playing for Newcastle.

"Of course, circumstances change, and if big clubs offer big money, who knows what will happen, but a club made an enquiry and the club told them that he will not be sold in January under any circumstances.

"In the summer, it will be assessed again, but the club made it clear that a lot will depend on the lad himself, and that is how it should be.

"If it's Andy's decision, I could see him staying. He is very laidback, nothing like the character he is portrayed - he is not leading any rebellion over the sacking of Chris Hughton, as it has been suggested. That isn't Andy Carroll. Of course he liked Chris, all the players did, but he is not leading any revolt.

"He is a sensible lad, and he knows that if he joined a big club like Chelsea or Manchester City, he might end up playing one in three games, and right now that is not right for his development."

Carroll signed a new five-year contract in the summer on modest wages, before his starring performances in the Premier League saw his value skyrocket.