Sports'It depends...' - Pundit drops claim regarding future of 'superb' West Brom colossus
Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that West Brom striker Andy Carroll could have a future at The Hawthorns beyond the end of the season.
The lowdown: Short-term solution
Signed during the January transfer window on a deal until the end of the current campaign, then-Albion manager Valerien Ismael was hoping to soften the blow of losing fellow mid-season arrival Daryl Dike to a hamstring injury.
Since then, Ismael has been replaced by Steve Bruce and powerful frontman Dike is still yet to return to fitness, leaving a 33-year-old Carroll leading the line for the most part.
As the end of the season comes into view, Palmer has suggested that there is room for both strikers to remain part of the Baggies’ squad…
The latest: Money the only issue
Speaking to Football League World, the 56-year-old suggested that the major stumbling block for Carroll’s future is likely to be financial.
The ex-England defender stated: “Well, it depends how much he’s costing you.
“You know, at the end of the day he’s 33 now, he’s played 20 games in total this season, 12 games for West Brom and he’s played eight games for Reading previously. So he’s played 20 games in total, and the goal tally of four.
“Now, he does present a different option for you, in terms of, you know, he is superb in the air, and his hold up and link up play is very, very good when he is fit and whatever.
“So, in answer to the question, it just depends on how much he’s costing you to stay in the building.”
The verdict: Worth the risk
Despite his advancing years and previous injury concerns, the towering ex-Liverpool and Newcastle United marksman has enjoyed a new lease of life in the Championship this season.
Carroll – who was once hailed as ‘unplayabale’ by Alan Pardew – has completed 90 minutes on eight occasions for Bruce’s current side.
The nine-cap England international recently won an astonishing 19 aerial duels against Stoke City (Sofascore), evidence of an unrivalled ability as a target man and proof that the experienced striker can provide a worthwhile understudy to a hopefully fit-again Dike next season.
In other news, West Brom set for talks to sign defender. Read more here
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