Newcastle manager Chris Hughton says he wants to keep hold of young striker Andy Carroll who is now a 28/1 shot to win this season’s Premier League Golden Boot.
The Gateshead-born hitman has rifled in four league goals so far this season – including a hat-trick against Aston Villa – to jointly lead the scoring charts alongside Chelsea duo Didier Drogba (2/1f) and Florent Malouda (28/1) plus Arsenal speedster Theo Walcott (40/1).
Carroll’s form is understood to have put Hughton’s former club Tottenham, who the 51-year-old served as a coach and player for over 25 years, on alert as they look to strengthen their forward options in the mid-season transfer window.
But the Magpies’ relative weakness in attacking options means Hughton is determined to hang on to his star man.
“Amused is probably the right word – I thought the window had closed,” Hughton told reporters when quizzed over Spurs’ reported interest in the 21-year-old.
“Of course, I have heard the speculation and it is probably testament to him and the season he has had so far, albeit we are only four games in.
“He has started the season very well and with any player who is doing well, you expect some speculation.
“But from our point of view, there is absolutely nothing in it – and we don’t want there to be either.”
Newcastle’s season continues on Saturday with a trip to slow-starting Everton who will be hoping to build on last weekend’s last-gasp 3-3 draw against Manchester United at Goodison (Everton 4/7, draw 13/5, Newcastle 5/1 – 90 minutes).
Carroll’s build-up to the game has been hampered by an ankle knock but he looks set to take his place in the side while there could be a first start for veteran defender Sol Campbell following three reserve-team appearances.
However, the Magpies are still without summer signings Dan Gosling (knee) and Leon Best (ankle).
Everton captain Phil Neville is available for selection after a foot injury accounted for the former England international during the opening four games of the Premier League season.
Following an appearance for the reserves against West Ham, he told the Blues’ website: “I think it was important that I played.
“I’m glad to get 90 minutes under my belt and I’m ready to play against Newcastle on Saturday.
“It’s so important (to play) as you can train as hard as you want but 90 minutes against West Ham, who played a strong team, is like money in the bank.”
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