LIVERPOOL have rejected an approach by Newcastle United to take record signing Andy Carroll back on loan.

At this stage the Reds are only considering offers for the permanent transfer of the £35m man and contrary to widespread reports, the St James’ Park side had shown no intent to make the deal permanent at the end of the season-long loan, with Liverpool only receiving an approach to take the 23-year-old England forward until the end of the campaign.

It is understood Newcastle’s bid was not particularly enticing anyway, with Alan Pardew’s men not ready to pay all of the player’s wages over the course of the proposed deal.

Liverpool were not commenting on the story last night but by rejecting the bid they have made it clear that loan moves for Carroll are unlikely to be entertained.

As it stands, the 6’3" target man remains a Liverpool player and still plans to join the squad in Boston next week for the second leg of the Reds’ North American tour.

Carroll joined Liverpool from the St James’ Park side for a club record £35m in January last year but has failed to convince in his short stay on Merseyside.

The striker found form towards the end of last season, a run which included the winning goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Everton and a blistering performance as a substitute in the final, but new manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted Carroll may not necessarily be part of his plans.

And last week’s signing of Italian forward Fabio Borini was an indication that he Gateshead-born forward could find his chances limited at Anfield this term.

With 11 goals in 56 games, Carroll has found it hard to live up to his huge transfer fee but has shown the real desire to make his big money move work.

Newly promoted West Ham United and Aston Villa were also thought to be interested in Carroll but with Liverpool not entertaining loan bids, they may now cool their interest.

At this stage it is unclear what the Reds’ asking price for Carroll would be.