Liverpool arrivals dependent on England star’s Anfield departure

Andy Carroll’s departure from Liverpool has appeared imminent for some time now, with West Ham still fronting the queue to land the striker.

Carroll’s former club Newcastle also remain interested along with Tottenham, and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is thought to be willing to authorise the sale of his number nine.

Whilst the aforementioned interested parties are keen to land Carroll on loan meanwhile, Rodgers would prefer a permanent deal, as he hopes to secure at least one more signing.

Indeed, it is believed that Rodgers is desperate to land Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who recently turned down a new Emirates deal and has also sparked interest from Manchester City.

Walcott would likely be afforded more first-team opportunities at Liverpool than he would with the Premier League champions, and so could find the prospect of a Merseyside move an appealing one.

With just one year remaining on his Gunners contract, Walcott would be available at a knockdown £12m fee, so could complete a move even if Carroll isn’t sold.

As the Reds hope to welcome one England international in place of another though, a more like-for-like replacement for Carroll is also on Rodgers’ wishlist.

Although it is thought that Carroll wouldn’t suit his playing style at Liverpool, in Fernando Llorente Rodgers hopes to land a striker in similar ilk.

Physically imposing, the Athletic Bilbao forward is colossal in the air, and is at his best both with his back to goal, alongside attacking high crosses into the box.

Rodgers would seem to believe that Spanish international Llorente possesses a superior touch to Carroll though, and as such can be integrated seamlessly into his new-look side.

The 27-year-old has been relegated to Bilbao’s reserve side after refusing to sign a new deal with the club, and Liverpool could activate a release clause in his contract.

Man City, Spurs and Juventus are amongst the other clubs interested, but they may be deterred by the £30m that Llorente’s current employers hope to recoup.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.