Reds ace set to decide

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll's possible loan move to West Ham United is likely to be almost entirely in the player's hands.

With former club Newcastle United keen to become involved in the chase and Aston Villa waiting on the sidelines, the Upton Park club is hoping the player will make a quick decision on his return from the summer break. They believe that in their skipper Kevin Nolan they may have an ace as the pair are best friends off the pitch whilst they both share the same agent. The Hammers are ready to pay the England striker's £4million wages for the year and should they survive the season as a Premiership club will offer around £15million to make the deal permanent next season. Carroll is also wanted on loan by clubs such as AC Milan but those close to him do not believe that a move abroad will necessarily suit a player who is very much a part of mainstream British life. Villa boss Paul Lambert is poised to make a move for the big man after his interest in former Norwich city striker Grant Holt ended when the player signed a new deal at Carrow Road.