Newcastle knock back Tottenham enquiry for Carroll, apparently.

A few sources are suggesting that Newcastle have today knocked back an approach from Tottenham Hotspur for star centre-forward, Andy Carroll.

Sky Sports News, ITV, and the BBC are among several sources who are reporting the news. These aren't poor sources in fairness, as sources go anyway, so perhaps there is an element of truth in this?

Who knows eh? Tottenham have been the main source of interest in the run up in the transfer window, and with Newcastle reportedly being interested in doing a deal for some of their players, like Robbie Keane or David Bentley, perhaps Tottenham thought that this would ease the wheels of negotiation? It appears that a move for Robbie Keane now looks unlikely given that Birmingham City are rumoured to be in talks with Tottenham over a proposed move to St Andrews.

Still, it was always likely that Carroll would attract interest from some of the leagues 'brighter lights' in this transfer window. The form of Carroll has been of a high enough standard to warrant the interest so I guess we should have all been prepared for it.

Some would argue that keeping Carroll would be the best move we could make in this window, and given how important he is to the team that would be hard to argue with. All players have their price though, and if an offer comes in for Carroll that would benefit the team to the point of being able to strengthen with good players in a number of different areas then a difficult decision could have to be made.

Or could it? You see, that seems to be the mine that is being trotted out by the media with regard to Andy Carroll. They appear to believe that lucrative bids will "test our resolve" or other over-used cliche'd sayings. Realistically they should be asking why a big money bid would test our resolve though.

The facts are simple. Carroll is happy here for the moment, he has the coveted number nine shirt, the manager wants him to stay, apparently, no player has been sold against their will under Mike Ashley - whether you like him or hate him this is true - and most importantly, £20 million, even £30 million, is peanuts to our owner.

Another train of thought is the fact that Carroll adds more value to the business at the minute. We have one of English football's hottest properties, and he is secured to a five year deal with reasonable wages. That makes him a valuable asset, and his performances mean that he is adding value as he goes.

I just wish that the press would see things like this, but then again it doesn't help when Alan Pardew engages in discussion about the sale of Andy Carroll. If he isn't for sale, which apparently he isn't, then why not just tell the press where to go and keep saying that he isn't for sale so there is no point in discussing it?

Ah well, this saga will roll on, no doubt.