Cardiff City legend and radio pundit Nathan Blake claims the Bluebirds are closing in on a pay-as-you-play deal for Andy Carroll.
The 33-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving West Bromwich Albion earlier this summer, having previously been with Reading on a short-term deal.
Cardiff are firmly in the market for a new striker before the close of the window as Steve Morison looks for added firepower in the final third, having seen Uche Izpeazu, Jordan Hugill and James Collins depart earlier in the window.
And Blake, who scored 40 goals up front for the Bluebirds during his playing career and knows a thing or two about scoring goals, believes former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward Carroll could well be the next man through the door this summer.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales after the 1-0 win over Norwich City, Blake said: "My birdies tell me, I heard that there could be a new signing in Andy Carroll as a striker. Pay as you play. That's what I'm hearing.
"I cant tell you who my source is. My source is one of the boys.
"It's a very good source."
Blake's claims seemingly contradict comments made by Mehmet Dalman earlier in the week, with the City chairman claiming the club were in talks with a club looking to sign a striker for a fee, and another on loan.
Club insiders have already cast doubt on the links when quizzed by WalesOnline, while sources close to the player have similarly insisted such suggestions are wide of the mark.
It remains to be seen where Carroll will end up this summer.
Belgian giants Club Brugge reportedly passed on the opportunity to sign him last month, despite the striker cutting short his honeymoon in an effort to sign for the Belgian champions.
But after jetting in for a series of tests in Belgium, the club opted against a move.
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