Pardew refutes Carroll rumours

Andy Carroll: Will not be making a dramatic return to his old club Newcastle, according to manager Alan Pardew

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has slammed speculation linking Andy Carroll with a dramatic return to the club, claiming the rumours have 'no foundation'.

The 23-year-old has struggled with both injuries and form since his sensational £35million move to Anfield on transfer deadline day last January.

He has scored just six goals in 12 months for the Merseysiders, after netting 11 in the first five months of last season in a black and white shirt.

Speculation surfaced earlier this week that with Liverpool reportedly eyeing striking reinforcements - including Toon star Demba Ba and Villa frontman Darren Bent - Reds boss Kenny Dalglish was prepared to let Carroll leave for a cut-price £20million.

Unfair

However, the striker's agent and Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias swiftly scotched the rumours, with Dalglish soon following suit.

Now Toon chief Pardew has issued a denial, dismissing out of hand speculation of a proposed January bid.

"I think it's unfair on the Newcastle public and I think it's unfair on Andy," said the 50-year-old.

"It was speculative journalism that had no foundation."