Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Will Reds Be Able to Move Andy Carroll?

Liverpool's push back to relevance in this campaign has had little to do with Andy Carroll.

The 6'3" English striker came to Anfield in the second largest transfer on record from Newcastle last winter. In only seven league appearances in the second half of last year, he netted two goals.

So far this season, in 16 league appearances, he's managed only two more goals.

As the Reds continue to fight for a potential Top-Four spot, Carroll continues to disappoint.

He's struggled mightily to stay fit and produce since the Anfield giants splashed £35m in transfer funds to Newcastle United and there is talk of him heading back to St. James' Park.

However, according to the Daily Mail, his former club is no longer interested in bringing him back, either:

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Newcastle have ruled out a sensational return for Andy Carroll to St James' Park. The Liverpool striker was linked with a loan switch to the Magpies in the January transfer window.

But Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is only interested in boosting his defensive options.

He said: 'We're keeping cards close to our chest in the window, it'll be difficult for anybody going out and agreeing a price with my board."

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Newcastle, currently sitting seventh in the table, could use another goal scoring option. Their goal differential is only plus-three, and they're still only four points out of fourth place. Even with that in mind, passing on Carroll isn't a surprise.

As for Liverpool, they're actually going to need Carroll to step up. With Luis Suarez set to serve an eight-match ban, Carroll is going to be on the pitch regularly.

The 22-year-old has an immense amount of talent and needs to showcase it now. Not only will the Reds find it difficult to move Carroll, they can't afford to right now.

When all is said and done, Andy Carroll will have made his mark by the end of this campaign and only then will it be time to talk about moving him.