West Ham 4 Reading 2 match report: Andy Carroll signing is Allardyce’s ‘main priority’ for the summer - but it's Kevin Noland who scores the hat-trick

The Hammers captain scores three against Reading

Kevin Nolan celebrates his hat-trick for West Ham in the 4-2 win over Reading (GETTY IMAGES)

Manager Sam Allardyce says signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool is West Ham's “main priority” over the summer.

Despite only scoring seven goals during his season-long loan, the 6ft 3in tall, 24-year-old striker proved a popular signing, and this week earned a recall by England.

"It is our target to make it a permanent situation," Allardyce said after seeing his side beat Reading thanks to an inspirational hat-trick by club captain, Kevin Nolan, one of his first signings at Upton Park.

Nolan opened the scoring after 23 minutes, making the most of an error by Reading keeper Alex McCarthy before Ricardo Vaz Te drilled in the second.

West Ham dominated for large periods, although they could have been left with red faces after their advantage evaporated inside the first 15 minutes of the second half following two quick-fire strikes.

The Royals showed why they are going down, with erratic defending which allowed Nolan to twice escape his markers and seal victory.

Allardyce will now work on securing the £17m-rated Carroll permanently. "If we can start with Andy Carroll that would be a great achievement for us."