Hammers make big Carroll bid

West Ham's £17m offer for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is likely to be rejected with the Reds wanting at least £20m for him.

The Hammers are thought to have made what is a club-record bid for the England international but Liverpool are refusing to consider offers under £20m while the player himself is also not keen on a switch to Upton Park. Reports say the deal would have seen Carroll join Sam Allardyce's side on loan initially with a view to a permanent move, but it appears unlikely at this stage that the transfer will come off. Carroll, who this week will have been heartened by words of praise from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, would prefer to stay and prove himself at Anfield or, if he is forced out, would welcome a return to former club Newcastle. The Magpies remain keen and are watching developments closely, although they are also unlikely to fork out £20m for the 23-year-old with boss Alan Pardew warning the Reds they would have to take a significant hit on the £35m they paid for the forward in January 2011. West Ham may yet come in with an improved offer, trumping the £17m which would already be a club-record fee, as Carroll's future remains very much unresolved.