Liverpool wants ?20m for 'beleaguered' striker Carroll

London, July 17(ANI): Liverpool would be looking to get 20 million pounds for their out of favour striker Andy Carroll, which would in turn facilitate signing of boss Brendan Rodgers' top target, Fulham's Clint Dempsey.

Former club Newcastle wants the Geordie giant, but their initial bid of a season-long loan with a view to a 12 million pounds deal was laughed out of Anfield.

Carroll cost 35 million pounds when he arrived from Tyneside 18 months ago and the Toon wanted Liverpool to pay part of his 80,000 pound-a-week wages.

The Merseyside club would prefer a permanent departure and will only consider loan deals if it comes with a commitment to buy.

Carroll's displays at Euro 2012 on the back of an impressive end to the campaign mean his value is still relatively high. But Rodgers needs to raise funds to bring in new faces.

Carroll wants to prove himself at Liverpool but would plump for a return to the North East ahead of West Ham, who is also watching the situation. (ANI)