Andy Carroll Set for Newcastle Return as Demba Ba Heads to Rubin Kazan

Reports suggest Andy Carroll will rejoin Newcastle United after Rubin Kazan triggered the £7 million buyout clause in Demba Ba's contract.

According to The Daily Mail, Kazan wants to wrap up a quick deal with the Senegalese striker, who's available at a minimal price until July 31.

After an explosive start to his Newcastle career, Ba struggled to make an impact in the latter half of last season.

Alan Pardew has deployed the forward in a wide role since the arrival of international teammate Papiss Cisse. Ba scored 16 goals before the tactical switch. Since then, he's failed to hit the back of the net.

Kazan must fight off interest from Liverpool and Galatasaray for Ba's signature. Whether he swaps Tyneside for Russia or not, reports suggest he has been plotting his Newcastle escape for some time (via Goal.com).

Ba's exit paves the way for Andy Carroll's return. Pardew has already confirmed he is in the market for Liverpool's unwanted striker, and has had a loan bid rejected. If the Magpies are to bring their former player back, it's Newcastle owner Mike Ashley who holds the key (via The Independent).

This looks to be the perfect opportunity for Carroll, whose recent form has been much improved. He contributed massively to Liverpool's F.A. Cup final run, scoring goals in the final two rounds of the competition.

Roy Hodgson took him to Euro 2012 on the back of these performances, where Carroll netted one goal from his only start.

Now that Brendan Rodgers is in charge of the Merseyside club, Carroll's nightmare appears to be at an end. The 23-year-old doesn't fit in with Rodgers' passing style, and would be a useful addition to a Newcastle side who are pushing for a Champions League place next season.