The Andy Carroll Conundrum

With it looking increasingly likely that Andy Carroll will be moved on this summer, fan reaction has been widely split on if this is a bold statement of intent from Rodgers, or his first big mistake.

It's no secret that Carroll has struggled to settle on Merseyside after his big money move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day in January 2011. Brought in as a panic purchase after Fernando Torres decided to jump ship, it was never going to be an easy task living up to immediate expectations, especially after arriving at Anfield with an injury.

After 11 goals in 56 appearances for the Reds and a change of manager, it looks like Carroll's time is up. Good riddance according to some, a rash error according to others.

Carroll finished the 2011/2012 season with a bang, heading in the winner against Blackburn in injury time to win the game for 10-man Liverpool 3-2, before flicking in Bellamy's free kick in the FA Cup Semi Final against arch-rivals Everton. He followed up those two headers with another goal in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea, making John Terry look like a fool in he process, and he tormented Chelsea again just a few days later in the league as Liverpool got revenge for the FA Cup Final defeat with a 4-1 thrashing at Anfield.

This late season form earned Carroll a call-up to the England squad for the 2012 European Championships. After warming the bench for England's opening 1-1 draw against France, he came to life with a start against Sweden. A majestic header from a Steven Gerrard cross gave Liverpool fans a glimpse of what they hoped to see more of in the coming season. After coming on as a late sub against Ukraine, Carroll again found himself on the bench against Italy in the quarter-finals before replacing Danny Welbeck in the 60th minute. For an hour Carroll showed great strength and composure to hold up the ball for his under-pressure teammates, which was ultimately fruitless as England succumbed to a 4-2 penalty loss after holding Italy to a goalless draw.

After initial links to AC Milan and West Ham, it is now looking most likely that Carroll will be heading home to Newcastle. All three of these clubs are looking to take Carroll on loan, with Newcastle also looking for an option to buy. However, Rodgers confirmed today in an interview during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the US that he would only be looking to sell Carroll and that a loan deal is out of the question.

"To consider a loan period for someone the club spent £35m on isn't something we're looking to do at this moment in time," Rodgers said.

"Andy will be the same as every other player - if there's ever an offer that comes in we'd look at it as a club and see if it's going to be worthwhile for the club and the team as a whole.

"The club invested £35m in him. People talk about whether he can fit into my style or not, but if you're a club and you spend £35m on a player you'd like to think he can fit into whatever style the team plays.

"He's a good player. He'll join the rest of the group next week and we'll take it from there," he added.

This leaves Carroll in a funny position. Rodgers comments leave the door half-open for Carroll, with the new boss essentially leaving an ultimatum at the feet of Carroll - either you conform to my style of play, or I'll show you to the door.

Carroll joins up with the Liverpool squad in Boston on July 23, and it's anyone's guess how he will react to the media speculation and Rodgers' non-vote of confidence. He will either work his socks off to prove that he deserves a place in the team, or he will attempt to engineer a move back to Tyneside knowing that he isn't wanted at Liverpool.