West Ham concede defeat in pursuit of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll

Likeliest arrival The man on everybody's lips for the past 18 months, Andy Carroll , is being hotly-tipped for a return to St. James Park after leaving in January 2011. It seems the only aspect in the way of the deal is the most importa (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects to bring in one more new signing ahead of tomorrow's deadline - but concedes that as things stand it is unlikely to be Andy Carroll.

Allardyce first asked about a possible loan move for Liverpool striker Carroll a month ago, but the England international is understood to not be keen on moving to London.

Allardyce has since spent the bulk of his transfer budget on winger Matt Jarvis, who cost almost £11million from Wolves.

Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed yesterday he wants to move Carroll on to raise funds for his own transfer targets, but Allardyce said: "I don't know whether that benefits me or not.

"Our problem is I have since moved on financially. When I first went for Andy Carroll I could afford him, whether I could now is a different matter.

"At the very best I think one player will be joining us before the deadline tomorrow.

"Hopefully we can achieve that and get a quality player who could add to the team and the squad and make an impact almost immediately."

Midfielder Mark Noble and striker Carlton Cole have been linked with moves away from Upton Park, but Allardyce insisted: "We've had no bids.

"Would we welcome any bids? No."

Nicky Maynard, who scored in the Capital One Cup win over Crewe on Tuesday, has also been linked with Cardiff.

Allardyce added: "There's been some interest in Nicky but there has been nobody that has encouraged us to try to sell, that goes for all the players."

PA