West Ham United striker Andy Carroll fears parent club Liverpool pricing him out of a return to Newcastle United.

Carroll would love to return for a second spell at hometown club Newcastle, says the Daily Star.

He left in January 2011 when Liverpool splashed out £35m to make him the most expensive British player.

Toon chief Alan Pardew, who admits his side are lacking a physical presence in attack, would jump at the chance of re-signing him.

Owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias are also receptive to the idea but not at Liverpool's £17m valuation even though it would mean an £18m profit on the initial deal.

Newcastle are aware that Liverpool are huge admirers of midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa and would be interested in a swap. But the Toon do not want to sell the Frenchman and value him at more than £17m.