Alan Pardew was a little cagey when asked about the future of Andy Carroll.

The England international left hometown club Newcastle United for Liverpool in January 2011, in what was a sensational £35million transfer.

Carroll has struggled to find his best form at the Merseyside club, who are believed to be keen to loan him out to another Premier League side next season.

West Ham United have already been linked with the 23-year-old striker, but Newcastle boss Pardew has refused to be drawn on whether he would take him back to St James Park.

“I wouldn't really like to comment,” he said. "He did an absolutely terrific job here. I have always supported him while he has been at Liverpool when other people weren't.

“I thought he got a bit of a raw deal, if I'm honest. I think he's going to be a great player, but where he treads the boards, so to speak, we will have to wait and see."

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