Kop call: Toon fans' favourite Carroll looks to be
heading to Anfield in a £35million deadline-day move
Newcastle have accepted a £35million bid from
Liverpool for Andy Carroll.
The Magpies knocked back a £30m offer earlier on deadline
day as Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish tried to tempt the
22-year-old England international to Anfield.
Dalglish set his sights on Carroll as Fernando Torres
heads to Chelsea.
Spaniard Torres handed in a transfer request on Friday and
is expected to join the Blues in a £50m move.
Liverpool have snapped up Uruguay striker Luis Suarez from
Ajax for £22.8m but Dalglish wants Carroll to lead his
line.
The 22-year-old has scored 11 Premier League goals this
season but has missed the Magpies' last five games with a thigh
injury.
Tottenham have already had a £25m offer knocked back by
Newcastle.
Massive loss: Newcastle manager Pardew
Academy graduate Carroll has been a major hit this
season after playing a key role in last season's Championship
triumph, and his development since he was handed the famous No 9
shirt during the summer has been quicker than had been
anticipated.
Former manager Chris Hughton, who presided over much of
that rapid improvement, insisted the player still had much to
learn, and Pardew has been hugely impressed with him since he
arrived on Tyneside despite the fact that he has had him at his
disposal for only three games so far because of injury.
Pardew has been keen to stress that retaining his biggest
names was his first priority this month, and he has been repeatedly
assured that Carroll would not be sold.
However, owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek
Llambias have tried to bring a financial realism to the club during
their time at the helm and there is little doubt that an offer of
£35m for a home-grown talent represents a major
windfall.
Newcastle have cancelled their press conference on Monday
afternoon ahead of Wednesday's game against Fulham.
