Allardyce admits defeat in Carroll chase

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is playing down the possibility of his interest in Liverpool striker Andy Carroll being resurrected.

Allardyce had been keen on taking the England international on loan after agreeing a £2m deal with the Reds, that could have led to a full transfer. However, the prospect of a switch to Upton Park was a challenge which didn't appeal to the former Newcastle hitman, who is thought to be angling for a return to the North-East if he must leave Anfield. The Hammers manager has made no secret of his admiration for the 23-year-old after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Brendan Rodgers, but he is realistic about the likelihood of Carroll having a change of heart anytime soon. Allardyce is convinced his signing would have made their transition from the Championship to the Premier League a lot smoother. He told the People: "I would probably have stuck my neck out and said we would almost certainly stay up with him on board. "We wouldn't have thought we would have had any chance of signing a player of Andy Carroll's capabilities but it became clear a couple of weeks ago there was a possibility of a loan. Unfortunately at this moment, it's not the case."