West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini froze out Andy Carroll for defeat to Cardiff City.

Carroll's current £90,000-a-week contract expires at the end of this season. The east London club have a two-year option on the 30-year-old but it is understood they would have to offer him a pay-rise if triggered, says the Daily Mail.

Pellegrini was asked about Carroll after their lacklustre 2-0 loss to Cardiff and the Chilean simply said: "He was not considered for this game."

Pressed on whether it was injury related, the 65-year-old continued: "He was not considered for this game. He has a small problem in his ankle but he was not on the list."