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Shearer urges Carroll to leave Liverpool for Newcastle

Andy Carroll was a star performer for Newcastle © PA Photos

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Alan Shearer has told Andy Carroll to return to Newcastle, with the Geordie legend claiming it would be a "great move" for his career.

Carroll joined Liverpool from Newcastle in January of 2011 for £35 million, but the price tag has been like a millstone round the striker's neck. Although showing signs of improvement towards the end of last season and travelling with England to Euro 2012, it appears he is surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Newcastle are believed to have been rebuffed with an initial approach, but the signs are suggesting they may come back in and Shearer feels that if a deal can be struck, Carroll should go back to Tyneside.

"How many clubs are there where Andy can realistically go?" Shearer told the Sun. "With respect to the lower half of the Premier League, he is a better player than that.

"Andy is an England centre-forward and I wouldn't say he has been a flop at Liverpool by any means. Yes, it took him a bit of time to settle there but he finished the season strongly and considering he only started one game at the Euros, I thought he did well.

"Make no mistake, he is a very good footballer. I can fully understand why Newcastle are in for him and I think it would be a great move.

"There is an old saying that you should never go back but, in Andy's case, I don't think it would be a mistake at all.

"He was hero-worshipped by the crowd first time around and they would warm to him again. "Andy loved playing there and whatever the fans felt about him leaving to join Liverpool, I'm sure he would win them over quickly."

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