Read more about Newcastle United.
Striker keen to stay put
Newcastle United, 12:02, December 17, 2009 ,
England under-21 international Andy Carroll has told Newcastle he wants to stay and is not interested in leaving St James' Park.
Carroll has been one of the stars of Newcastle's season so far, scoring four goals and creating five more to help Chris Hughton's side to the top of the Championship table.
Carroll has had his problems off the pitch in recent weeks and West Ham, Bolton and Stoke City have all been linked with a move for the striker over the last 12 months.
But a close friend of Carroll's told the Newcastle Chronicle: "Andy has spoken to Chris Hughton and he knows the score - he knows that his future is in his own hands.
"He's settled at Newcastle United and does not want to leave. No disrespect to the clubs that have been linked with Andy, but the hope is that Newcastle will be back playing in the Premier League next season.
"And being a Geordie and former season ticket holder, it should not be difficult for people to see why he wants to be a part of that so much.
"From Newcastle's point of view, they have one of England's up-and-coming young stars on their hands."
Carroll signed a new contract with Newcastle in March, and his current deal does not expire until 2013.