Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic says the club remain “hopeful” of signing Andy Carroll to a new contract.

The striker arrived on a short-term deal in November and quickly established himself as a mainstay in the team.

In mid-January, when his Reading deal expired, Carroll left the club but a contract offer has stayed on the table and Paunovic confirmed that there is still hope the former Liverpool man will return to Berkshire.

“We follow up almost daily with him,” the Serbian manager said. “We want to be respectful and at the same time let him know that we want him back. 

“So we keep reminding him that while we also understand that his position is as it as. He needs time so he’s taking his time before he makes his decision. But we remain hopeful and we remain obviously very interested in him coming back. No updates.”

There has been interest in Carroll from Burnley and other Premier League and Championship sides but as things stand, he is still a free agent.

He was pictured at the Select Car Leasing Stadium three days after the expiry of his contract, watching from the stands as Reading were beaten 2-0 by Luton Town

Carroll certainly proved his fitness with the Royals, starting six consecutive games and scoring twice, against Swansea City in November and in his last game against Middlesbrough. 

With Lucas Joao fit again and Yakou Meite nearing a return, the necessity for Carroll isn’t quite as great as it once was, but he would still be a welcome addition to the Reading squad.