Former Reading player edges closer to West Brom move | OneFootball

Former Reading striker Andy Carroll is set for a medical at West Brom this morning, as per a Twitter update from John Percy of The Telegraph.

The Baggies’ move for the experienced forward comes after West Brom suffered a big blow in losing Daryl Dike to a hamstring injury for up to eight weeks.

Carroll is currently a free agent after signing a short-term contract with the Royals in mid-November.

Quiz: Have any of these 28 ex-Reading FC players ever played for Oxford United or Swindon Town?

1 of 28

1. Chris Gunter

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The 33-year-old netted twice and added an assist in his short stint at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, scoring perhaps two of the best offside goals ever witnessed.

Proving to be more than just a source of goal contributions, Carroll’s link up play, physicality and intelligence ensured that he was a success with the Royals, albeit, for a very short amount of time.

The verdict

Carroll added value to Reading and added an extra dimension to their forward play, and it is no real surprise to see higher Championship interest in the experienced forward.

Valerien Ismael’s insistence on operating in a narrow 3-4-3 system is not for everyone, however, Carroll is a player who could thrive on playing in close proximity to his other forwards.

The 33-year-old has all the desirable attributes to succeed with the Baggies and help sustain their push for promotion this season, whilst he will provide Dike with excellent competition when he returns.

Carroll is a difficult opponent for defenders to come up against, and within a side who are likely to provide him with more consistent service, he could really enjoy a spell with West Brom.