Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Reds Should Grant Andy Carroll's Wish to Stay

After a disappointing 2011-12 campaign, I think it's fair to say that Andy Carroll has some unfinished business at Liverpool.

Perhaps that is why the young striker—despite consistent rumors he will be sold this summer—reportedly wants to stay at Anfield. And it's just another reason why the Reds should grant him that wish.

From Harry Harris of ESPN:

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Andy Carroll has told Liverpool he wants to stay at Anfield rather than be sent out on loan or sold off in a cut-price deal.

Carroll is not interested in a return to Newcastle or a move south to London with either West Ham or Fulham. "Andy has told them that he does not want to move," an ESPN source said.

But Liverpool appear to have unofficially let it be known that they would accept £20 million for the England international.

"

Let's count off the reasons why the Reds should keep Carroll around.

For one, they're not going to get anywhere near the £35 million it took to bring him to Anfield. I'm no business major, but losing £15 million on a player after just a year-and-a-half isn't exactly great for the bottom line.

And that's assuming they can even get £20 million for him. Chances are, teams are going to low-ball them given Carroll's lack of production last year and the fact that it is no secret Liverpool is shopping the striker.

Beside that, should the club really just assume that he won't be a good fit in the 4-3-3 system new manager Brendan Rodgers employs, as Harris' article hints at?

Yes, Carroll is primarily a threat in the box where he can impact the game aerially rather than as an on-ball distributor who will spearhead a flowing, pass-heavy attack. But it can't hurt to have a dangerous player in the air to finish the crosses swung in from the wings.

If anything, a new manager and style might spark an improved run of form by Carroll.

And if he is indeed motivated to prove he can fit into Rodgers' system and wants to return to the Reds, why not give him another chance to prove himself? If he goes back to Newcastle and lights up the Premier League, won't Liverpool regret its haste in moving on?

I think the Reds would be wise to keep him for at least another year. It certainly makes sense financially, and if Carroll is motivated to perform, it will make sense tactically as well.

Liverpool must decide very carefully if the future of Carroll is at Anfield. It stands to lose far more than it'll gain in selling him.

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