Andy Carroll

[Muddled]

If Carroll goes, we have to replace him, surely?

Suarez, Borini as options upfront leaves us goal-shy. If Walcott stays at Arsenal, are we thinking Sturridge ... or is this gonna be another Assaidi situation, only someone ... y'know, good?

[Mostar]

I think the winger crack may be aimed at Joe Cole to be fair.

For some inexplicable reason I think Rodgers actually sees something in Downing. Madness!

Good point

For some reason I completely forgot that he exists

[Rowan]

At LB

it's so crazy it might work.

The anti Gareth Bale

[Rowan]

Good point

For some reason I completely forgot that he exists

Wishful thinking perhaps?

[Mostar]

If Carroll goes, we have to replace him, surely?

Suarez, Borini as options upfront leaves us goal-shy. If Walcott stays at Arsenal, are we thinking Sturridge ... or is this gonna be another Assaidi situation, only someone ... y'know, good?

Absolutely.

It would be total madness to go into the season with only one striker so I am pretty sure he'll bring Dempsey but imo we would still need one more.

That said everything is possible like Stewart Downing playing as a LB.

[Kenneth]

Rodgers not pulling any punches with recent comments is he

Not in the slightest.

[Red_Polo]

At LB

Leighton Buzzard?

[JohnDoe]

If we're signing Dempsey, I expect Carroll to be gone, probably on loan.

[john316]

Dominic King (DominicKing_DM) says a move to West Ham is now the most likely outcome with us very keen to sign Walcott still. Obviously we don't seem to care about the news from Arsenal yesterday!

[DeanoUK]

Yeah, I can't see Walcott coming now. Though wtf do I know.

Don't understand Newcastle offering us a loan deal. Buy up front please.

[Shaggy]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19422144

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.

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.

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."

[RichC]

Brutally honest from Rodgers there which is refreshing to see.

Hopefully AC will accept he needs to move and we can use the money to bring in a couple more players.

[danperkins]

Thank **** finally a guy that tells it as he sees it! I literally will do a moonwalk across my living room floor if we get rid of Downing & Carroll.

[BobTheCharmer]

In the modern world of a squad game it must be disheartening for the 'cover' players (which you must have in a squad) if they know they can't be first teamers regardless of performance. Obviously its positive for the young players in so far as they haven't got to worry about high paid players blocking their path. I just wonder how in reality this will play out, how do you keep 'cover players' keen. Do you have to have older players reaching the twilight of their career as 'cover players'? Bold management, lets hope it pays off.

[TheElephantMan]

I would imagine Rodgers' 1-11 and cover players are interchangeable if back-up players prove they're worthy of regular first team action?