Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists there is 'absolutely no way' he would allow Andy Carroll to leave on loan, but accepts the Reds will consider offers.
But Liverpool boss accepts offers for striker will be considered
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists there is 'absolutely no way' he would allow Andy Carroll to leave on loan, but accepts the Reds will consider any offers they receive.
The £35million England international has been tipped for a swift Anfield exit this summer amid reports that he does not figure in new manager Rodgers' plans.
Newcastle have already seen one loan approach turned down for the former St James' Park favourite, while West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admitted their own tentative talks came to nothing.
Rodgers has rejected suggestions that he does not believe the 23-year-old can fit into the fluid passing style he adopted during his time at Swansea and claims he is 'an important part of the group'.
But he accepted that any offers which are tabled for Carroll throughout the transfer window will be discussed by the Liverpool hierarchy, as they would be for any member of his squad.
Investment
Rodgers told
Sky Sports News: "There has been a lot of unfair criticism of Andy, there has been a lot of speculation in the press in terms of not being able to fit into my style of play. I think that's unfair.
"If a club spends £35m on a player, you would expect that player to be able to fit into whatever style a manager will bring in.
"I've spoken openly and honestly with Andy in terms of where he is at, but I have done the same with all of the players, I have spoken to all of them, I have had communication with all of the group.
"It gets highlighted more with Andy because he is a young player. Maybe others may not see him fitting in with me, but for me he is an important part of the group.
"There is talk of him going on loan, but there is absolutely no way I would be looking to loan a player like that, especially after the investment the club have paid.
"But his condition will be the same as every player. If an offer comes in for any player at the club we would either look at it, or dismiss it, and Andy's no different to that."
Attraction
With Liverpool again absent from the UEFA Champions League, Rodgers faces a tougher task than some of his Premier League rivals in attracting the leading talent to Anfield.
But the Anfield boss believes that the history and tradition of the Merseyside giants, coupled with the challenge of returning them to former glories, will help him bring in players with a hunger and desire to succeed.
He added: "We are a top club, that doesn't change. Liverpool is still synonymous around the world; it is a club that has great history. Players will want that challenge to come and play for Liverpool and see if they can get the club into that position.
"I don't think the attraction of playing for Liverpool has deteriorated, but players want to play at the highest level and it's our job as a football club to try and challenge and to get players here that want to accept that challenge and can arrive back at that level."
