... Newcastle are ready to offer £15m for injury-prone Andy Carroll.
But he was sidelined once again last night.
Carroll will miss both games of the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand due to an ankle injury.
The 25-year-old missed the first half of last season with a heel problem.
West Ham statement: "After assessment by the Club's medical experts, it was decided to let the England international rest for both remaining games and receive intensive treatment to ensure he is fit for the start of the season.
"It should be clear that the affected area is not in any way associated with the previous injury he successfully overcame towards the end of last season."