Published: Today at 11:05
BRENDAN RODGERS has ruled out letting Andy Carroll go on loan — but admits Liverpool may still sell their £35million man.
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The Reds recently rejected an approach from Carroll's former club Newcastle, who wanted to take the England striker back on a temporary basis.
But while Rodgers insists they will still consider any serious offers, he has stressed that Carroll, 23, remains "an important part of the group".
The Liverpool boss said: “There has been a lot of unfair criticism of Andy and 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.”
Rodgers has made just one signing since taking over the reins at Anfield — Italian striker Fabio Borini.
But the Northern Irishman is confident he will still be able to attract top names to the club without the lure of Champions League football.
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."
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