Carroll’s Tyne not up yet

ANDY CARROLL has agreed to stay at Newcastle United for another season.

The injury-plagued striker, 31, is ready to extend his stay at the club after a heavily appearance-related contract was finalised.

Carroll (below) has failed to find the net this season – spending most of it injured.

He’s made just four starts and nine appearances from the bench as he fought consistently to overcome yet more injuries.

Toon chief Steve Bruce cut a frustrated figure as Carroll successfully defeated one setback only to be hit by another as his home-coming turned into a damp squib.

The 6ft 4in spearhead has been plagued throughout his career by ankle issues.

Unfortunately for player, manager and club he picked up a hip problem which, despite numerous attempts, could not be given a satisfactory prognosis.

With £35m signing Joelinton struggling to convince, Bruce was desperately in need of an alternative but he could not get Carroll onto the pitch for any significant length of time.

Such issues meant the former England international was widely expected to be leaving ahead of the longawaited takeover.

But with several contract issues outstanding, the club had to be seen to act and offered the former Liverpool forward one final chance to make an impact.

The former West Ham star will not be costing the club a huge weekly outlay. His basic pay is well below the norm and will only increase significantly if he plays on a regular basis.

There has also been positive movement this week with offers made to Matty Longstaff and Javier Manquillo.