Newcastle transfer news: Andy Carroll returns to St James' Park as free agent

Carroll, a free agent following his release by West Ham at the end of last season, scored 31 goals in 80 league appearances for the Magpies

Newcastle United have re-signed Andy Carroll on an initial one year-deal, the club has announced.

Carroll, a free agent following his release by West Ham at the end of last season, returns to St. James’ Park eight-and-a-half years after he left his boyhood club.

The 30-year-old forward becomes manager Steve Bruce’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin, Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth.

“It feels very good. My friends and family are here, and it’s the club that I support – it is home,” said Carroll.

“I enjoyed the time I spent here, and hopefully I can carry on where I left off. When I left eight-and-a-half years ago, I was scoring goals and I was enjoying my football. It’s been a pretty tough time since then, and I just want to get back to that.

“I know it’s home. I’ve played here, I’ve spoken to the fans – I am a fan – and my family is here. For me to get back to where I was, I think this is the only place for me.”

Carroll scored 31 goals in 80 league appearances for the Magpies before joining Liverpool in 2011.

The 30-year-old striker has suffered considerably with injuries during his career and it’s understood Newcastle examined his medical records closely as they weighed up their options.

Bruce said: “To bring a local hero like Andy back to Newcastle United is fantastic. He is very excited to be home.

“He is a big, physical threat in the opposition box and another great option for us at the top end of the pitch.

“He gives us something different to what we already have and we’ll do our best to get him flying again.”