The return of the prodigal son Andy Carroll to Newcastle could be on the cards with the Magpies now backed in as favourites to be the big striker's next club.

Carroll is without a club this summer after being released by West Ham at the end of last season after an injury-hit spell in East London.

Paddy Power and Betfair have a move back to St James' Park as a 15/8 (+188) shot after being cut in from 11/2 (+550) earlier this month after a sustained period of bets.

Crystal Palace, who were early favourites in the market for Carroll's next club, have drifted out slightly from opening at 6/5 (+120) to 9/4 (+225) with the best bookies.

A switch to be reunited with former England boss Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace is now best priced 6/1 (+600) with William Hill.

Burnley are now third favourites for Carroll's signature this summer with Sean Dyche's side rated at 15/2 (+750) with Betfair and Paddy Power to bring Carroll to Turf Moor, while Unibet have the potential move to Lancashire best-priced at 9/1 (+900).

Surprise Contenders for Carroll Signing

Surprisingly, Rangers figure high up in the betting to sign Carroll this summer with the Scottish giants as low as 4/1 (+400) with Unibet, though William Hill go 12/1 (+1200) for Carroll to be reunited with his former Liverpool captain Steven Gerarrd at Ibrox.

West Brom, who have lost a couple of strikers in this summer's transfer window, are also a 4/1 (+400) shot with Unibet and likewise 12/1 (+1200) with William Hill to complete a move for Carroll.

Southampton are understood to be in the market for a new forward this summer but they are outsiders at 17/2 (+850) to bring Carroll to the South Coast according to Paddy Power, with William Hill market leader again at 14/1 (+1400) for a move to St Mary's.

Premier League new boys Sheffield United are rated as 15/2 (+750) shots with Betfair to make a move for Carroll, while a move to Bramall Lane is best priced at 16/1 (+1600) with Ladbrokes.

Meanwhile, Champions League finalists Tottenham are 14/1 (+1400) to spring a surprise and sign Carroll, with William Hill offering that move at 16/1 (+1600).

Scottish champions Celtic are as short as 9/1 (+900) with Unibet to sign Carroll, but are as big as 16/1 (+1600) with Ladbrokes, Coral and Betfred to bring the England international to Parkhead.

Championship duo Cardiff and Stoke are the two rank outsiders in the race to sign Carroll at 22/1 (+2200) and 25/1 (+2500) respectively with Unibet.