Carroll wanted by Palace if Benteke says no

Andy Carroll is being prepared as a back-up transfer target, should the deal to sign Christian Benteke from Liverpool fall through.

Following the additions of Andre Ayew and Jonathan Calleri, Carroll may be hard pressed to force his way into the first team and Carroll would consider a move away.

The prospect of Diafra Sakho returning to first team training is another bad omen for Carroll’s minutes in the new season.

As Palace are in the market for a striker, Carroll is reported to be heading up the list should the Benteke transfer fail to happen.

16 goals in 56 games since joining the Hammers prior to the 2012/13 season, Carroll was permanently transferred to Upton Park from Liverpool ahead of the 2013/14 season for a fee of around £15 million.