£35m former Newcastle man set to link up with released academy player in fourth-tier of French league

As much as Newcastle United fans like a good moan about how the club is run, you have to spare a thought for French club Bordeaux.

The former elite French club are now fighting their way back to glory from the fourth-tier of the French pyramid after giving up their professional status following financial troubles.

Newcastle and Bordeaux have a decent history having met in European competition a couple of times, but mostly through sharing players. While only Yoan Gouffran was bought directly from Bordeaux, several players have represented both clubs including Mattieu Debuchy who joined Bordeaux on loan from Arsenal after leaving Newcastle.

Earlier this month former Newcastle and West Ham academy player Amadou Diallo, who was released by Newcastle in the summer, was confirmed to have joined the Bordeaux comeback trail.

Andy Carroll is still Newcastle's record sale alongside Elliot Anderson

Today Newcastle World has claimed that Diallo may soon be joined by another Newcastle academy product in the shape of 35-year-old striker Andy Carroll.

Carroll still holds the record as Newcastle's most expensive sale alongside Elliot Anderson at £35 million when Mike Ashley sold him to Liverpool on transfer deadline day in January 2011 sending shockwaves through Newcastle's fanbase.

Injuries have blighted Carroll's career, however, and he never quite hit the heights he was expected to after his early promise as a young Newcastle striker.

Carroll has been playing in the French second tier with Amiens

Andy Carroll had a second spell at the Toon under Steve Bruce but was largely ineffective and he was offloaded to West Brom, soon to be reunited with Steve Bruce.

Carroll has spent the last couple of years in France after joining Emil Krafth's old club, Amiens.

Hopefully, Diallo and Carroll can help to get Bordeaux back on the right path back to Ligue 1 where they belong.