West Ham tell Chelsea they can sign Andy Carroll – but only if they get Michy Batshuayi in exchange
David Moyes watched Batshuayi in action against Norwich last night and believes he can get him firing at the London Stadium. Now he will only sanction Carroll deal if Belgian comes the other way
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DAVID MOYES has given the green light to Andy Carroll joining Chelsea - but only if he gets Michy Batshuayi in exchange.
Chelsea have targeted England striker Carroll in a shock January move as they look to add more striking options to the squad at Stamford Bridge.
And Carroll is understood to be desperate for the chance to make the move with the prospect of playing Champions League football too hard to turn down.
West Ham have told the Blues there is no chance of a loan deal until the end of the season being agreed - placing a £20million valuation on the target man.
And after making a personal check on Batshuayi in last night's FA Cup replay against Norwich, Moyes has decided the Belgian has to be part of any potential transfer.
Moyes is determined to ensure the Hammers are not left short up front just by taking the money for 29-year-old Carroll, who has 18 months left on his current deal.
And he believes Batshuayi fits the bill perfectly as the kind of player he wants to bring into his squad despite his struggles at Chelsea this season.
SunSport understands he has made it clear to the Hammers board that Batshuayi has to be part of any agreement which will see Carroll move to West London.
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The 24-year-old looked short of sharpness and confidence as he produced an indifferent display in Chelsea's penalty shoot-out win over Norwich.
Moyes believes there is plenty of talent and ability in the Belgian, but he just needs a run of games to rediscover the form that saw Chelsea pay £33m to sign him 18 months ago.
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And he senses an opportunity to replace an ageing striker with injury problem with a forward who could lead the Hammers attack for the next few seasons.
With West Ham valuing Carroll at £20m, it would mean Chelsea having to take a hit on the fee they paid in signing Batshuayi from Marseille.
But bosses at Stamford Bridge appear to have made up their minds they want to move him on, and Moyes believes a deal can be struck with the Hammers hold firm.
Carroll is currently reporting a foot injury to the Hammers which has ruled him out of the last two matches despite claims that scans show no problem.
He would be unlikely to start in this weekend's clash against struggling Bournemouth, so Moyes feels there is no pressure on the club to cave in just because Chelsea have come calling.