West Ham can't afford Andy Carroll- Allardyce

Another twist to the Andy Carroll saga has developed, with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce telling Sky Sports in the last hour that the Premier League's new financial restrictions mean that the club cannot afford to sign the England striker on a permanent deal.

"The hardest thing is the overall package and making sure it is sustainable," the Irons chief said earlier today. 

"In one fell swoop, the financial restrictions have meant that we won't be able to sign Andy Carroll from Liverpool because it is too expensive, even if we wanted him, which we do. Someone will have a bigger budget than us and this is probably what will happen."

Something's not quite adding up here. Big Sam has been aware of the new financial restrictions since 9 February, as we reported at the time, yet stated after the West Bromwich Albion game on 30 March that he 'would do everything in my power' to sign the England star. More mind games from the manager ahead of the summer transfer window I feel!

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling