Andy Carroll’s move to Chelsea OFF as injured striker faces a month out with hairline fracture

Carroll's proposed move to Chelsea is off (Image: West Ham United FC)

Andy Carroll's proposed move to Chelsea is off as the West Ham striker has suffered a hairline fracture set to keep him out of action for a month.

Carroll had been linked with a switch across London with Antonio Conte keen to boost his striking options in the wake of Alvaro Morata's struggles in front of goal.

But the ex-Liverpool forward is facing yet another injury layoff, scuppering the chance of a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had been keen on an initial loan move for Carroll, but the Hammers preferred a permanent switch for the striker worth at least £20million.

The striker faces a month on the sidelines (Image: Getty Images Europe)

There was no formal approach for the 29-year-old who has missed the Irons' last three games.

Initial scans are understood not to have shown a problem, but further tests have now revealed the ankle injury that has ruled out a January transfer.

Carroll had told West Ham he was not fit enough to train, despite fiancee and former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow sharing a picture of the pair in the gym on Wednesday.

Billi Mucklow posted this snap from the gym (Image: Instagram/billimucklow)

The former Newcastle hitman opened his league account for the season to help West Ham come from behind to beat West Brom a fortnight ago.

He was on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Spurs two days later when he came on for the final five minutes.

Chelsea have been targeting a tall striker and also have Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke among their options.