Ashley holds the key to Andy Carroll deal

The deadly duo looking to cut a deal? Another day and another angle on Andy Carroll's potential move back to Newcastle United.

As things stand there has been no new movement that has been widely reported, although there are now quotes from Alan Pardew pretty much confirming that we do have an interest in our former number nine.

Ultimately, like all deals, it will come down to money and the only man who can provide that is Mike Ashley. It would prove to be a popular decision to bring Carroll back from Liverpool and end his Anfield nightmare, but any deal would have to make business sense and if Liverpool are looking to recoup more than what we are willing to offer then there will be no deal between the two sides.

Meanwhile Alan Pardew has admitted that he has little to do with negotiations and insists that it is at boardroom level at the moment. Crucially he also hints that negotiations are ongoing and that we've not pulled out of any potential deal, yet...

“That whole process is a little bit more involved with the chairman and the board at Liverpool," Pardew told The Chronicle when asked how far away from a deal the two clubs are. He added: “We’ve got a great team here, a great squad, and if Andy Carroll comes it’ll only add to us.”

“It’s simple, really. Sometimes transfers are done at corporate level. I’m slightly detached from that. It’ll be what it’ll be.”

“It’s been said that he’s available, and if we’re involved then we’ll be involved because of the figures, not anything else, because we know he’s good enough. I’m slightly detached from it.”

There are far too many rumours and "in the know" accounts of what is happening right now, but if you believe them it would appear that Liverpool want rid of Carroll, that Carroll is receptive if a move back to the North-East, and perhaps most crucially, that the board are interested in making it happen.

Whiich is why Ashley holds the key to any deal involving Andy Carroll...