Newcastle United have reportedly reignited their interest in bringing Andy Carroll back to St James' Park for this season.

The 30-year-old came through the ranks at the Newcastle academy, going on to score 31 goals in 80 Premier League appearances for the senior side before leaving for Liverpool in 2011.

The striker is currently a free agent after being released by West Ham United at the end of last season and had been linked with a return to the North-East, only for the club's big-money capture of Joelinton to apparently scupper the deal.

According to the Daily Mail, however, manager Steve Bruce has now had "a change of heart" and has re-opened talks with Carroll, who is described as being "desperate" for a move.

The newspaper says that any deal will be subject to strict medical checks - Carroll is notoriously injury-prone - and his pay will be dependent on him being available for selection.

The transfer could be delayed beyond today as Carroll's free agent status means that a deal can be completed after the 5pm deadline.