The Hammers have agreed a deal with the Reds for the 24-year-old striker, but he is keen to establish himself at Anfield or at least secure a shock return to Newcastle

EXCLUSIVE
By Richard Buxton

Andy Carroll looks set to turn down a permanent £15 million move to West Ham after telling Liverpool he will fight for his place at Anfield.

The 24-year-old striker is ready to accept a role as a bit-part player at Liverpool next season in order to force his way into the side following a successful loan spell at Upton Park.

West Ham agreed a £15m deal with the Reds last week after Carroll scored seven goals while on loan in east London, but he is unsure about a move as he focuses on re-establishing himself at Anfield and earning a place in England’s World Cup squad.

“Things haven’t worked out for Andy at Liverpool but he went there with high hopes and isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet,” a source told Goal.

“He enjoyed his time with West Ham but feels he has unfinished business at Anfield.”

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers had hoped to cash in on Carroll to boost his transfer spending this summer, having only been given £20m by owners FSG to improve the squad that finished seventh in the Premier League table.

Carroll is also thought to be keen on a shock return to Newcastle. The Magpies, though, are not believed to be in the running for his signature, with bad blood from the original £35m transfer in 2011 meaning Liverpool are reluctant to negotiate a return.

Carroll faces up to four months on the sidelines with a heel injury, and has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.