Andy Carroll, who has failed in his bid to make the grade at Liverpool so far this season, has been handed a lifeline as Newcastle are willing to retrieve their former hitman out of Anfield.

Carroll became the most expensive British footballer of all times when he signed for the Reds a year ago for �35m, but the North East club are reportedly eager to table a �15m offer.

Liverpool, who have seen a return of just six goals from 31 appearances from the Geordie, could hold out for �25m.

Newly installed QPR manager Mark Hughes has identified Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as his number one transfer target.

However, according to other reports, the Ivorian forward could become one of the world’s highest-paid players by following Nicolas Anelka to China.

Hughes, who could have a bulging transfer kitty of over �30m to spend this month, has already made enquiries to his former club Manchester City about signing defenders Nedum Onuoha and Wayne Bridge, while Blackburn have been offered an �8m for defender Christopher Samba.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been instructed by manager Harry Redknapp to fork out �7m for England and Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

The 26-year-old’s proposed transfer to Chelsea is in danger of falling through because of his wage demands and his desire for a guaranteed starting place in the team.

Manchester United have expressed an interest in Newcastle’s Demba Ba but have so far declined to make an offer for the Senegalese striker.

Ba, currently on international duty at the African Cup of Nations, scored twice against United last week, taking his tally to 15 this season.

Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has expressed a desire to leave the Emirates in January in a bid to establish regular first-team football.

The 18-year-old wishes to impress England manager Fabio Capello ahead of this summer’s Euro 2012.

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti says the club are “serious” about signing wantaway Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

AC Milan were believed to have already agreed terms with the Argentinean.

Striker Mario Balotelli has dismissed reports he wants to quit Manchester City.

The Italian has played a pivotal role so far in City’s impressive season.

Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to block any move from Chelsea for Angel di Maria.

West Ham last night failed in a �3m bid for Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes

Meanwhile, Wolves are weighing up a �5m swoop for Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones,

Fulham plan to hijack Billy Sharp’s �1.8m move from Doncaster to Leicester, and Robert Pires has ruled out following Thierry Henry by making an Arsenal comeback.