Andy Carroll: Liverpool striker keen to stay at Anfield and fight for place

By Ben Smith BBC Sport

Andy Carroll wants to stay at Anfield and fight for his place despite Liverpool's attempts to move him on before the transfer window closes.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has tried to persuade the striker to accept his time at the club is over as he attempts to raise funds for new signings.
 

Andy Carroll career stats

• Newcastle (2006-11): 91 games, 33 goals
• Preston (loan Aug 2007-08): 12 appearances, 1 goal
• Liverpool (2011-present): 57 appearances, 11 goals
• England (2010-present): 7 appearances, 2 goals

But Carroll remains committed to Liverpool, having already turned down one proposed move to West Ham.

Newcastle's offer to take Carroll on a season-long loan remains on the table.
Liverpool must raise funds in order to step up their interest in Fulham forward Clint Dempsey, while Arsenal's Theo Walcott also remains a target.
With Charlie Adam attracting interest from Stoke City and Fenerbahce, and Jay Spearing likely to leave on loan to either Bolton or Wolves, Liverpool may be able to free up the funds to make an offer for Dempsey in the next 24 hours.
But unless a fresh injection of investment is made available to Rodgers, he must convince Carroll that a move away from Anfield represents the best step for his career.

“ I don't think we are in a position to have £35m players as third-choice strikers”

           Brendan Rodgers

There remains a slight possibility that West Ham may revive their interest in the 23-year-old by making an improved offer, but it is understood the club may need to sell a player first to free up cash.

While Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted he would welcome the addition of Carroll, the clubs have not discussed the matter since Liverpool dismissed Newcastle's initial offer out of hand.
Carroll will play no part in the Europa League play-off round, second leg against Hearts on Thursday night.
"The reality is, financially, we need to repair, so the players being linked for the money mentioned, I don't have the ability to sign in this window," Rodgers said.
"I respect players and I'm precise with my information so they know where they stand. We all come into the profession knowing what the job is. Ultimately, it comes down to what your objective is as a player.
"I can only be straight. I've made it clear I have a 1 to 11, cover players and development players. Some of the development players may become starters. If you fit outside that, I will tell you. Then it's up to the player. Does the player want to play football?
"You don't need to be a rocket scientist to see Andy has been a cover player for us and has been excellent in terms of his attitude and acceptance of where he is at, but as a football club, I don't think we are in a position to have £35m players as third-choice strikers, or wingers who are on £5m-£6m a year. This is the challenge I have."