Andy Carroll splashes out £80,000 on luxury Mercedes cab so he can keep a low profile around town

WEST HAM star Andy Carroll has splashed out £80,000 on a luxury Mercedes taxi... from a company co-owned by ex-Prem star Marlon Harewood.

Carroll is just one of a string of footballers buying the flash motors and hiring drivers for nights out on the town.

The stars also pay a driver to take them to and from training so they can relax and keep a low profile.

Carroll was the victim of an attempted robbery earlier this year when a gang on mopeds tried to steal his £22,000 watch at traffic lights.

And it appears Carroll is now ready to take a backseat when it comes to driving.

A source last night revealed: "The players use them for nights out and shuttle to and from training.

A host of footballers have opened the cheque book to buy customised carsCredit: Twitter / @AC13PREMIER

The luxury cab comes with flat screen TVs, a surround sound system and hand-stitched leather seatsCredit: Twitter / @AC13PREMIER

"They hire a driver and then they don’t have to wait for cabs etc and they know they’ve got their own luxury motor waiting for them.

“They can afford them so why not? They also take them to training and they just sit in the back and can avoid any kind of bother from over-eager fans or even crooks looking out for players.”

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Footballers will be able to travel in style with the top of the range Mercedes V-class boasting drop down flat-screen TVs, fridges, Wi-Fi and a crystal clear sound system.

Carroll's Mercedes was provided by high-end car firm AC-13 Premier - a bespoke vehicle provider.

Ex-West Ham striker Marlon Harewood co-owns the companyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Footballers are hiring drivers so they can keep a low profileCredit: Twitter / @AC13PREMIER

And so far around 20 footballers have splashed the cash to travel in comfort.

Manchester City ace Kyle Walker and Liverpool midfielder Gigi Wijnaldum are just two of their satisfied customers.

Tom Huddlestone, Newcastle's Ken Darlow and former Toon defender Jose Enrique have all bought cars from Harewood's company.

Harewood and business partner Andy Cole are using their extensive contact book to lure in high profile customers and their reputation for customising motors continues to grow.

Joe Hart says jokingly admits he got his black eye from fighting with Andy Carroll!