NEWCASTLE'S new boss Steve Bruce is considering a move to bring Andy Carroll back to St James' Park this summer.

The former England forward is a free agent after an injury plagued spell at West Ham finally came to an end last month.

And Bruce is desperate to bring in new faces up front after losing Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez since the end of last season.

The Toon remain in talks with Hoffenheim over a possible deal to bring striker Joelinton to Tyneside.

But there would still be room for Carroll – who left the Toon to join Liverpool in a £35million deal in January 2011.

Now 30, he made his debut for his hometown club in 2006 but has seen his last few years ravaged by injury.

He is sidelined by another problem for the next few weeks and there is no time limit on doing a deal due as he is not attached to a club.

Meanwhile, Bruce was in the stands to witness a much improved performance from his new team in Shanghai.

I think the change of manager could be a good thing.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was unable to take his place in the dug-out as he came to China on a tourist visa.

But he has been on the training ground with his players for two days and they put the record straight after the shambolic display in Nanjing in midweek.

Japanese forward Yoshinori Muto scored the only goal against West Ham as he turned in a Jamie Sterry cross.

On Bruce's appointment, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka said: "It's only been three days, but he's been trying to express his style of play.

"We are professionals, we have to take responsibility, create some chances. We were also very well organised and that was the key."

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey added: "I think the change of manager could be a good thing. For me personally I probably needed that change and trying to get into Steve's plan.

"I understand the fans are disappointed. We had three great seasons under Rafa but now we have to move on.

"Steve is a lot different to Rafa. You never knew what Rafa was thinking.

"Personally for me I would rather have someone who talks to you and you know what he's thinking.

"That's not knocking Rafa because he's a terrific manager but for me personally it's better. Everyone needs to move on and give this man some time."

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