Reading have signed former Newcastle United, Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll on a short-term contract.
The 32-year-old was at Newcastle last season but was out of contract in the summer and has committed his future to the Sky Bet Championship club until mid-January.
Is Gareth Southgate elite? Who the hell cares?
“This is a deal which we have been working on for some time and are confident it is the right move for both player and club,” Reading manager Veljko Paunovic told the club website.
“Andy is looking for a new challenge in his career and we need a player with his quality and vast experience.
A nine-time @England international.
Over 𝟐𝟓𝟎 Premier League appearances.
80 career goals.
Championship and League Cup winner.
Just an overview of Carroll’s career so far! #WelcomeAndy | #Royals150 pic.twitter.com/f2wrR2acmh
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) November 15, 2021
“So this is a great match and I’m really looking forward to working with Andy over the next couple of months.”
Carroll, who has also played for West Ham, made nine appearances for the Three Lions between 2010 and 2012, scoring twice.
Elsewhere, Steven Gerrard has expressed his desire to turn around Aston Villa’s fortunes following his appointment as head coach of the Midlands club.
Gerrard paid tribute to his Villa predecessor Dean Smith but is in no doubt about the size of the task he faces, with the club currently languishing in 16th place after five consecutive defeats.
Speaking to Aston Villa’s official website, Gerrard said: “I like a challenge, I like a risk.
“I think this club will suit me because the fans are very passionate and there is pressure here to win. For me it is about bringing everyone together to believe we can do exciting things together.
“Dean Smith is someone I’ve got a lot of admiration and respect for. I can’t control how things happen but I think the success he’s had here and the respect he’s gained… he’s going to be a hard act to follow.
“I think everyone knows I’ve got the job for a reason. The form of late has dipped and for me it is very much a case of getting involved and analysing the squad close up, because there is a lot of talent in this squad.”
The post Reading announce signing of former England striker Carroll appeared first on Football365.