Everton are preparing a bid for Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll.

The Sunday Sun says the Toffees are weighing up a big-money bid for the England Under-21 international, pictured right, whose progress this season has been undermined by trouble off the pitch.

Carroll's 17 goals have helped fire United back to the Premier League and caught the eye of the England management team.

Wolves made a failed bid for him last summer, and West Ham are also interested.