Rodgers: Striker Welcome to Stay at Anfield

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted striker Andy Carroll is welcome to stay on at Anfield and that the former Newcastle United striker was adapting well to Rodgers' playing style, an ESPN report states.

It has been widely suggested Carroll would leave the Reds, following disappointing performances since a club record £35m signing from Newcastle. He was linked to a few Premier League outfits, including newly promoted West Ham United and a return to the Sports Direct Arena, as well as a sensational switch to Italian champions AC Milan. Newcastle's original deal - to bring the 23 year old back on a loan deal was rejected - while West Ham have suggested a loan with an option to buy, should they avoid relegation.

However, it now seems Rodgers is confident the England international, who came on as a substitute during the Reds' pre-season friendly against Tottenham, will be a part of his plans for the new season. The friendly, part of both team's pre-season tour of the US, finished in a goalless draw.

"Not that I am aware of. Obviously I'll know more when we get back. There has been a lot written about Andy, but you saw today he's happy to be here and he's worked very well since he's been here," the Daily Mail quoted Rodgers as saying, adding, "The reality is he's still a Liverpool player, he can fit into how I want to play, and he's happy here. I'm certainly not wishing to push him out of the door."

Meanwhile, Liverpool, who have also been linked with Swansea City's Joe Allen and Bologna's Gaston Ramirez, are now reportedly considering Portuguese club Benfica's Argentinean star midfielder Nicolas Gaitan. Benfica are believing to be struggling financially and could be open to the idea of selling Gaitan. The Argentinean has a release clause of £35m in his contract but the Metro reports Benfica will be happy with the £14m Liverpool have offered.

Rodgers' will have to move fast though. Gaitan is known to have interested Manchester United in the past and with United still looking for midfield options, Sir Alex Ferguson may be tempted to rekindle that interest in the former Boca Juniors youth product.