Newcastle United set on fending off interest in Andy Carroll

Newcastle United will resist attempts by Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City to lure Andy Carroll away from Tyneside. The newly promoted Premier League club have signalled that they will be standing by the centre-forward as he prepares for a crown court trial in October. Carroll has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge. Carroll's representatives have begun negotiations with the St James' Park board about extending a contract which runs until 2013. Chris Hughton, Newcastle's manager, said: "Andy is a big player for us now and in the future. He is very excited about being a Premier League player for Newcastle United."