Carrow Road boss Glenn Roeder made an audacious swoop for the 19-year-old, who he gave his Newcastle debut during his tenure at St James's Park.

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The bid, however, was given short shrift by his opposite number Kevin Keegan, who rates Carroll highly.

And Roeder – also interested in taking United's Shola Ameobi – will have to look elsewhere to strengthen his team's attack ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Roeder, along with a number of other managers, has been put off moving for Ameobi by his £3m-plus price tag.

Carroll, meanwhile, is currently on the sidelines after suffering a freak injury during the summer holidays.

The heel problem – which could see Carroll out of action until September – ruled him out of England's squad for this month's European Under-19 Championships.

Carroll made his full United debut on the final day of last season, the 3-1 defeat away to Everton.

The Gateshead-born player – who was loaned out to Preston North End for the first half of last season – has also come off the bench 12 times.

When Carroll returns to fitness he could be loaned out again to gain more first-team experience, with Michael Owen, Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith – not to mention Ameobi, should he stay – all competing for places up front.