Some Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media to reports by the Northern Echo, claiming Steve Bruce is eying a new contract for Andy Carroll.
The boss will push the club to offer the 31-year-old new terms despite Carroll suffering with injuries since his return to St. James’ Park, which have restricted him to just four Premier League starts all season.
Carroll put pen to paper on a one-year deal last summer following his release by West Ham United, which effectively sees the Gateshead-born target man earn purely on a pay-as-you-play basis.
He has amassed 14 outings in all competitions since coming back to Tyneside after eight-and-a-half-years away, though is yet to find the back of the net and is unlikely to break his drought this month due to an on-going injury.
But Bruce is reluctant to see Carroll walk away from Tyneside as a free agent this summer and will urge Managing Director Lee Charnley to open talks with the striker, feeling that his impact both on and off the field has been beneficial to the club’s efforts.
Does Carroll deserve a new contract?
Yes
No
The boss particularly likes the positive influence that Carroll has over the dressing room and how he has taken to helping Joelinton settle in on the back of the Brazilian’s club-record £40million summer move.
Finances are expected to play a key part of any discussions between Charnley and Carroll’s camp, with the club chief needing to find the right balance given the veteran forward’s injury history.
Charnley is also tipped to favour another pay-as-you-play deal to appease Bruce’s eagerness for at least another year with Carroll in the squad, while the former England international is unlikely to present too many obstacles.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Bruce eying a new contract for Carroll…
Let it go, Jesus. Just taking the money.
— Dane B. (@Vikingr88) February 13, 2020
That’s our striker problem solved then 😂
— Evan Kiropoulos (@evan_kiropoulos) February 13, 2020
No thanks. It will be downgrade to offer him another year worth of contract but knowing Bruced, he likes this kind of player, hell even Fatshley needs him for gaining* support.
— ⚡Thunderky (@AubreyLiew91) February 13, 2020
So he’s effectively a coach?
— samantha (@mumba88) February 13, 2020
It’s just bad business. An extra body in squad instead of spending real money on another fit and competent player
— Daniel Potter (@danpotter31) February 13, 2020
Even his sub appearances hes made a huge difference. Defo deserves a deal
— T.A.F.K.A.P (@gallowgate13) February 13, 2020
I don’t see the point in giving him a new contract
— Liam ⚫️⚪️ (@LiamNUFC1998) February 13, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, Bruce is eying the signature of a 34-cap midfielder ahead of the summer market.