Andy Carroll agrees a deal to re-join Reading following his release from West Brom

Former England international striker Andy Carroll has agreed a deal to re-join Championship side Reading, despite attracting interest from around the world.

The 33-year-old striker has been without a club since his seven-month stay at West Brom came to an end in the summer.

Carroll had a stint with the Royals in the first half of last season in which he netted twice in eight appearances for the club. 

The 33-year-old striker Carroll had a stint with the Royals in the first half of last season

During the spell he also scored two brilliant goals against Fulham, only to see them both ruled offside.

Now he will return to Reading after being heavily linked with numerous clubs across the summer including Wolves and Iranian side Tractor SC. 

Tractor SC, who play in the Persian Gulf Pro-League, had a move for the forward turned down, having offered a one-year deal worth around £20,000 a week while Premier League side Wolves managed to snap up Diego Costa instead. 

The former Liverpool and West Ham forward 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.

The former England international has attracted interest from Club Brugge, Wolves and Tractor

Reading manager Paul Ince even admitted that the target man will be a good signing after his side’s 3-0 defeat to Sunderland on Wednesday evening.

‘He’ll be a great acquisition for us,’ Ince told the media via The Reading Chronicle. 

‘He’s only been on the ground a couple of days, but he’s been here before, he’s great in the changing room and he gives us that mental toughness and character. 

‘He’s another voice. Hopefully if we can get the deal done it will be great for us.’

Reading boss Paul Ince admitted Carroll will be a good signing after a 3-0 loss to Sunderland

Ince was also very complimentary of Carroll’s ability, by adding: ‘When you look at his retention of the ball, he’s technically a very good player. 

‘When you look at people like Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch, they look at their height and think they’re just good at heading, but technically they’re both very professional, top-class players. 

‘Look at the two goals that Andy Carroll scored for Reading that were disallowed, world class goals.’

Reading currently sit fourth in the Championship after the opening nine matches, having won five and lost four so far.