Hammers 'hopeful' over Carroll

West Ham have high hopes of landing England striker Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool, according to co-chairman David Sullivan's 13 year old son.

Jack Sullivan tweeted this morning, 'There will not be a decision with andy Carroll for 2 weeks [sic] as he is on holiday but we are still very hopeful to sign him #COYI #WHU #whufc'.

Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday that the two clubs had agreed a fee for the 24 year old, believed to be an original £12m, which could rise to £15m depending on clauses, such as appearances made and goals scored.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, told the Guardian the same day that 'it's one of those situations where it will probably be resolved a lot quicker than that [than the situation over Carroll's future at the start of the season, culminating in the striker's loan move to Upton Park] for both parties.'

The newspaper also claimed that the former Newcastle hitman is having doubts about a permanent move to East London and would be potentially keener on a return to the North East. However, this may not be an option as the Magpies have yet to make a formal bid for the striker, and a player-plus-cash deal that could have seen Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa move to Anfield appears to no longer be on the cards, with Rodgers' interest in the France international having cooled.

Young Sullivan also revealed on Twitter that the Hammers are looking at a back up option, should Carroll turn down a permanent move to the club. In response to a tweet from a fan saying 'please tell me your dad is aware we need another striker, not just Carroll?' Sullivan replied 'yes a back up'.

The Irons have been linked with Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfried Bony, Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes in recent weeks.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hull of a battle: Premier League new boys want to sign Irons target Rhodes

Newly promoted Hull are planning to gazumph West Ham's proposed move for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes, according to the Daily Mirror this morning.

The Tigers sealed promotion to the Premier League on the last day of the season with a dramatic last-day draw with champions Cardiff, and manager Steve Bruce is eager to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season in the top flight.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce meanwhile, is a big fan of Scotland international Rhodes, having previously tried to sign him last season when the pacy frontman was at Huddersfield, and was linked last month with a summer swoop for the Rovers star, who has lit up Ewood Park with 28 goals in a drab season for Blackburn.

The Lancashire club signed the 23 year old for £8m last summer and with money tight, could be tempted to sell for less than that this summer. Hull are understood to want Rhodes on the cheap and are readying a £4m bid.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling