Carroll on brink of new Toon deal

04 July 2010 11:55
ewcastle are close to warding off interest from Birmingham and Stoke by handing striker Andy Carroll a new four-year deal at St James' Park.[LNB] Carroll, 21, is reportedly set to treble his £7,000 a week salary to stay with his hometown club after hitting 19 goals for the Magpies during their Championship title-winning season.[LNB]His form in front of goal has caught the attention of Birmingham and Stoke, but Carroll's representatives have held a series of talks with the Magpies over the summer and a deal is now thought to be close.[LNB]The new contract is expected to net the England Under-21 striker just over £1million a year.[LNB]Carroll told the Daily Star Sunday: "This is where I'm from and Newcastle are the only team for me."[LNB]Meanwhile, Magpies boss Chris Hughton has compared 6ft 3in Carroll's aerial prowess to that of England striker Peter Crouch.[LNB]He said: "Andy is a bit like Crouch. Crouchy is probably four inches taller - but they are similar.[LNB]"Andy is such a good technical header of the ball that, if the quality of the delivery is right, he will usually get it on target."

Source: Team_Talk