Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed that he would be open to re-signing West Ham United striker Andy Carroll in the future.

The England international left the Magpies to join Liverpool in a £35m deal in January 2011, before sealing a permanent transfer to the Hammers following a dismal spell on Merseyside.

Pardew told reporters that he would welcome Carroll's return to the Tyneside outfit, should an opportunity come by.

"I think he would [want to come back one day], and I hope he does come back to his hometown," Pardew said.

"So I'm not going to hide from the fact that I like him. I'm not sure that it's something that's imminent for us in this window, because he looks fairly happy to me at West Ham."

Carroll scored 33 goals in 91 games for the Magpies.