Andy Carroll's future at Anfield remains uncertain after Liverpool rejected a loan bid from Newcastle United.
Carroll moved from Newcastle in January 2011 for a jaw-dropping £35 million ($55 million), then the eighth most expensive transfer in history. Newcastle confirmed they put in an initial loan bid to bring him back to Newcastle, with an option -- with a fixed fee -- to buy him at the end of next season.
The Magpies were ready to pay half of Carroll's £80,000 a week salary ($125,000), but Liverpool rejected the offer. It is understood, Brendan Rodgers is ready to offload his striker, but Liverpool will only listen to offers for a permanent move.
Fulham, West Ham United, Aston Villa and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest in the striker; however, all three clubs are also only interested in a loan deal.
"If we can get him that'd be great," Villa manger Paul Lambert said. "I've heard people are linked with him. That doesn't surprise me. He's a top player and not one I would dismiss."
Rodgers recently admitted he will have to talk to Carroll and see how he fits into the club's new style of play, before making a decision. The former Swansea City manager, however, suggested a loan move might be beneficial for the development of the England striker.
Since moving to Anfield, Carroll has failed to justify the massive price tag, scoring just 11 goals in 56 appearances, and only six in the English Premier League.
Carroll is seen by many as a player with limited technical ability, who is strong and good in the air; exactly the opposite kind of player that would suit the fluid passing style Rodgers is looking to inculcate.
The 39-year-old coach has already brought in Fabio Borini from Roma and with Luis Suarez already in Liverpool's books, chances of a regular starting berth looks extremely slim for Carroll, were he to stay at Liverpool.
However, sources have suggested, Carroll is keen to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place. The 23-year-old had a good end to last season, particularly impressing in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. That form earned him a call-up to England's Euro 2012 squad, where he again impressed. Carroll's best moment in the tournament came when he scored a cracking header in England's match against Sweden.
Newcastle are worried about losing Demba Ba, who has a release clause of £8 million ($12.5 million). They were put off by the high asking price for Dutch international Luuk de Jong, with Alan Pardew keen to strengthen his squad as Newcastle head into next season looking to improve on their fifth-place finish as well as compete in the Europa League.