Reading FC lose out as Andy Carroll closes in on move to West Brom

Carroll, who started the season as a free agent, joined Reading on a short-term deal in November. His Royals contracat expired in mid-January but an offer of extended terms has stayed on the table for weeks.

As late as Thursday afternoon, manager Veljko Paunovic expressed hope that Carroll would return to the Select Car Leasing Stadium but the former Liverpool man is now set to undergo a medical ahead of his move to the Hawthorns.

“We follow up almost daily with him (Carroll),” Paunovic said in his press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to QPR. “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.”

Carroll celebrates scoring against Middlesbrough. Image by: JasonPIX

However, despite Paunovic's hope, Carroll will not be returning to Reading this season.

The 33-year old quickly established himself as a regular in the Royals starting XI, playing in all eight games after his arrival. He managed two goals during his time at the club, finding the net against Swansea City and Middlesbrough.

The blow of his departure has been softended slightly due to the return of striker Lucas Joao who scored last weekend against Huddersfield Town.

It remains unclear if Carroll's decision to pursue a move elsewhere will push Reading to sign a different forward, but it looks unlikely at this time.

It is understood that the club are working to bring in a central defender before the tramsfer deadline but that is likely to be the extent of the incoming businesss.