The 32-year-old, who left the Magpies at the end of his contract in the summer, has agreed a short-term deal with the Royals until the middle of January 2022.

Reading boss Veljko Paunovic told his club's official website: "This is a deal which we have been working on for some time and are confident it is the right move for both player and club. Andy is looking for a new challenge in his career and we need a player with his quality and vast experience, so this is a great match and I'm really looking forward to working with Andy over the next couple of months."

Gateshead-born Carroll came through the ranks with his boyhood club, playing a massive role in the 2009/10 Championship title-winning campaign before his form in the top flight the following season saw him move to Liverpool for a then-British record fee of £35m.

He won the League Cup in his first season at Anfield before moving on to West Ham in 2012. Carroll, who earned nine caps for England, rejoined Newcastle in the summer of 2019, making 43 appearances and scoring once to add to 91 appearances and 33 goals from his first spell, and everybody at the club wishes him well at his new club.