Newcastle must cough up a fair price for Liverpool FC striker Andy Carroll

NEWCASTLE UNITED will have to significantly increase their valuation of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll if they want to secure his return to the North East this summer.

The Reds are prepared to sell Carroll, who is on a season-long loan at West Ham, in order to boost Brendan Rodgers’ summer transfer kitty.

But Liverpool are adamant the club’s £35million record signing won’t be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Newcastle are keen on securing the services of the player they sold to Anfield in January 2011 but have indicated that they are only prepared to go as high as £10million for the big frontman.

There is no chance of the Reds doing business for that fee. Carroll’s form has blossomed recently with four goals in his past six appearances.

Liverpool are resigned to making a heavy loss on Carroll but will look to bank at least £17million for the 24-year-old.

West Ham have the option to buy him for that amount but boss Sam Allardyce has conceded that the Hammers are struggling to fund a deal made more difficult by the striker’s £90,000 a week wages.

The Reds believe there will be other suitors for Carroll this summer and have no intention of rushing into an agreement with anyone.

Newcastle were accused of taking ‘liberties’ by Rodgers back in August after they tried to sign Carroll on loan and Liverpool opted to do business with West Ham instead.

Liverpool plan to hold firm once again in the knowledge that Magpies boss Alan Pardew is desperate to strengthen his strikeforce and wants to partner Carroll with Papiss Cisse.

Rodgers has made it clear he will deal with Carroll’s future at the end of the season.

“We will review it then,” he said.

“Our objective this season was to get Andy playing games after a frustrating period where he hadn't played as much as he wanted.

“He wanted to get games and I couldn’t guarantee that with Luis Suarez in the team and the type of players we’re looking to work with.

“At the end of the season we will sit down and talk. He's one who can certainly contribute to what we’re trying to do but there are a number of factors to consider.

“A certain style suits his game. He can get goals – it’s just a case of utilising his qualities.”