West Ham United are preparing a January bid for Newcastle United centre-forward Andy Carroll.

The News of the World says the England Under-21 striker is one of the lowest earners at St James' Park and Toon owner Mike Ashley has shown before that he is not afraid to sell key players.

Carroll, 20, is important to manager Chris Hughton but a New Year offer of around £4million would be difficult to turn down. Birmingham and Bolton are also interested.