Andy Carroll could make a surprise Premier League return with Wolves

Just when you thought you were done with transfer stuff for a few months...

Andy Carroll could reportedly make a surprise Premier League return with Wolves this week - if their attempts to sign Diego Costa prove unsuccessful. Bruno Lage has been left desperately scrambling to recruit an emergency striker option after summer signing Sasa Kaladjzic damaged cruciate ligaments on his debut against Southampton. Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Costa, a free agent since leaving Atletico Mineiro in Brazil last December, had emerged as a serious option for the Molineux club, but the news that he has had a work permit application rejected appears to have forced Wolves into a rethink. Wolves are said to have appealed the decision but, according to The Telegraph, have identified Carroll as an alternative should the decision not be overturned. 33-year-old Carroll has been without a club since the expiration of his contract at West Brom in the summer. He also appeared for Reading earlier in the season having dropped to the Championship after being released by Newcastle for a second time at the end of the 2020/21 season. Costa is believed to have been scheduled to fly to England with a medical also booked. The appeal hearing into his rejected work permit will take place Related links:

• Diego Costa’s work permit rejected ahead of Wolves move
• Andy Carroll fails medical at Club Brugge after cutting honeymoon short
• Andy Carroll undergoing tests at Belgian side Club Brugge