Bizarre U-turn at Newcastle United as exit-bound player receives surprise new offer – Report

Andy Carroll has been offered a one-year extension to his current deal, according to The Chronicle.

The Premier League’s official website have him down as being released by NUFC after racking up a measly 1 goal in 43 games since his return two years ago.

However, Lee Ryder is now reporting that the club HAVE offered him a new deal, with Carroll understood to have not yet made a decision on his future. He is currently on a summer holiday and is expected to hold talks with the club later this month – suggesting his exit is now anything but imminent.

He has been on a pay-as-you-play structure since his return – believed to be around £20k a week basic – and has looked a shadow of his former self when asked to wear the shirt.

Despite having plenty of heart and maintaining the commitment to put his body on the line that he always had, his legs have clearly gone and, in truth, he’s rarely looked a threat.

I’d even go as far to say that he would struggle to score goals at Championship level. At 32-years old, injuries have sadly taken their toll on arguably the best academy product we have produced since Gazza.

For me, questions need to be asked as to why we have even offered him a new deal. Steve Bruce hasn’t been playing him, he hasn’t looked up to it and he’s taking up a valuable squad place while offering so little. He may be a good influence in and around the dressing room, but that can’t be deemed enough.

Carroll seems like a sound lad, somebody you would happily go out on the drink with and a Geordie through and through, but, howay man, he should not be picking up a penny from NUFC for the same reasons me or you don’t, either.

What we need is a proper, reliable backup option to Callum Wilson. We can’t be relying on yesteryear’s man if we find ourselves in a time of need again next season.

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