West Ham were pushing to sell Andy Carroll last month, it has been revealed.

The Times says West Ham gave an agent permission to try to sell Carroll to a Chinese Super League club before the deadline last night.

It is reported that the Hammers wrote to agent Mark Curtis to give him "exclusive permission" to set up a deal.

While Carroll did not leave, it is reported that "the lengths West Ham went to encourage suitors...raises doubts about his future at the club beyond the end of the season".