Former Newcastle United coach John Carver has revealed how he had to fight to keep Andy Carroll at the club.

Carroll is now a target for several Premiership clubs, including Wolves and Fulham.

"Andy Carroll was at the Academy when I went down there in 2004. We had to have a meeting about the situation when I first arrived," Carver told the Evening Chronicle.

"I think they wanted to let him go - they had been playing him as a left-sided defender!

"I wanted to keep him because he had that physical presence and he has shot up since, of course.

"He also has a great left foot and is very different.

"I am pleased I had a bit to do with keeping him at the club, and it is great to see him doing so well now."