Carroll admits he enjoyed West Ham loan spell

Despite only scoring seven goals, the 6ft 3ins striker proved a popular signing and earned a recall to the England squad for the friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

Speaking on the club's official website, www.whufc.com, Carroll said: "I have enjoyed every minute of being here."

However, with parent club Liverpool set to be holding out for a £17million, while Newcastle and Monaco are also said to be monitoring the situation, the Irons are set for some tough dealings if they are to secure the striker for next season..

Carroll, 24, will also have to consider his own wage demands at any new club, as well as the likely opportunities of regular European football to further push his international career.

Nevertheless, the Gateshead-born forward had nothing but praise for the time spent at the Boleyn Ground, adding: "I have just tried to play my best in every match, score goals and keep myself fit once I got back from the injuries I had and then push on from there.

"The West Ham fans have been brilliant - they were chanting my name all through the match (against Reading), they never stopped and I thank them for the way they have supported me here from the moment I arrived.

"I have worked hard to get myself back in the England squad, trying to play my best for West Ham, so I am really pleased about that. I just have to make sure I keep playing well to stay in there.

"I have had a great season here at West Ham, really enjoyed being part of a great set of lads in the team, with the staff around us and the fans.

"Everyone has been so welcoming to me and I have been over the moon to be here. This is a great club."

Source: PA

Source: PA