Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is keen on a return home to Newcastle United.

The People says Carroll's future is very much up in the air.

He knows that, despite not setting east London alight with goals, West Ham United are desperate to make his current loan deal permanent.

But Carroll believes he still has unfinished business at Liverpool, although Kop boss Brendan Rodgers' January signing of a different type of striker in Daniel Sturridge will not be lost on him.

Carroll's preferred option would be to go back home to Newcastle - and the support and encouragement he has received from owner Mike Ashley's right-hand man Derek Llambias has given him hope.

Certainly, Toon boss Alan Pardew has made it clear that he would welcome Carroll back with open arms.