ANDY CARROLL is willing to accept another ‘pay-as-you-play’ deal in order to extend his second spell at Newcastle United into next season.

Carroll, who is currently due to become a free agent on June 30, will meet with Newcastle officials in the next week to discuss a short-term extension that will enable him to see out the remaining matches of the season on Tyneside.

Like Javier Manquillo, who is in the same contractual position, the striker is expected to agree an extension to his current terms. However, as part of the talks, Carroll will also discuss Newcastle’s plans for next season.

The Tynesider’s current contract sees him receive a low weekly wage which is topped up by incentivised payments for appearances and goals, and he will inform Newcastle officials he is willing to accept a similar arrangement in order to extend his deal for the 2020-21 season.

With so much uncertainty surrounding Newcastle’s ownership position, he might have to wait for a decision over his future, although if Steve Bruce remains in place beyond the end of the summer, there is every chance he will be offered another 12-month deal.

Carroll has only made four Premier League starts this season – his most recent appearance came as a substitute in January’s 1-1 draw with Wolves – and is yet to score his first goal since returning to his hometown club last summer.

However, Bruce values his influence in the dressing room as well as his ability to offer something different from the substitutes’ bench, and will push for his retention if he remains in charge for next season.

Newcastle’s financial position will be transformed if Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners group are given the green light to complete their proposed buyout, but suggestions that the Magpies will look to emulate Manchester City and Chelsea by pulling off a string of mega-money deals in the wake of an overseas takeover are misplaced.

There will be changes to the squad whatever happens this summer – Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard is expected to be a leading target whoever is in charge – but Carroll’s willingness to sign up to a deal Bruce described as a ‘no-brainer’ when it was initially agreed last summer will make him an attractive proposition.

His injury record over the last nine months will cause understandable concern, but when he has been on the pitch, the 31-year-old has shown enough to suggest he could still be a positive influence at Premier League level.

Carroll was involved on Saturday as Newcastle continued their preparations for Sunday’s return to competitive action against Sheffield United with a 2-0 friendly win over Hull City at St James’ Park.

Florian Lejeune and Allan Saint-Maximin were on target as the Magpies beat Championship opposition, with Bruce’s squad selection providing a hint towards his likely selection when the action resumes for real this weekend.

Paul Dummett was not involved against Hull, with the Premier League having ruled that clubs will not be allowed to alter the 25-man squad lists that were submitted in January. Having previously been ruled out of the remainder of the season with injury, Dummett was omitted from Newcastle’s January list, so even though he has battled his way back way to full fitness in the last couple of months, the Welshman will not be involved in Newcastle’s remaining nine Premier League games.

Ciaran Clark and Dwight Gayle were also not involved on Saturday, suggesting their injury problems continue to be an issue, and both Longstaff brothers were also sidelined. Matty’s contract position could mean he plays no part in the next two months.

“We’ve picked up one or two (injuries) in the week,” admitted Bruce after the game. “The two Longstaff brothers in particular, but they’ll hopefully be joining us on Monday or Tuesday.”

Bruce added: “It’s always nice to win. It was a typical friendly, behind closed doors. We’ve had a decent week – the good thing is that everybody’s come through okay.”

Newcastle (vs Hull): Dubravka (Darlow), Manquillo, Lejeune (Schar), Fernandez, Rose (Carroll), Yedlin, Shelvey (Hayden), Bentaleb (Krafth), Saint-Maximin (Ritchie), Almiron (Lazaro), Joelinton (Muto).