Andy Carroll set to re-sign for Reading

Andy Carroll is set for a return to football as he is reportedly closing in on re-signing for Reading, despite rumours that he was an alternative option from Diego Costa for Wolves.

The former England international has been a free agent since the end of last season following a brief spell with Steve Bruce’s West Brom in the Championship.

Carroll has spent a stint with the Royals in the first half of the season in which he netted twice in eight appearances for the club. During the spell he also scored two brilliant goals against Fulham, only to see them both ruled offside.

Now he could be set for a return to the club, as he is expected in training in order to be able to play following the next international break, according to the Reading Chronicle.

The former Liverpool and West Ham star was recently in the spotlight as it was rumoured he was going to make a return to the Premier League by joining Wolves.

Bruno Lage’s side needed to sign a new striker following the ACL injury to summer signing Sasa Kalajdzic, which came 45 minutes into his Premier League debut against Southampton.

Wolves, however, signed former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa over Carroll as he was eventually granted a work permit after the club appealed the initial decision.

The 33-year-old Geordie was also close to a move to Club Brugge in Belgium but reportedly failed a medical, scuppering any chance of him playing in the Champions League this season.

However, should he join the Royals and stay fit, then manager Paul Ince could have a quality striker to lead the line for the rest of the season.