Rodgers in loan threat to Andy Carroll

Brendan Rodgers has challenged Andy Carroll to prove he can fit into a new Liverpool system, or risk being sent out on loan next season.

Rodgers, as revealed by The Daily Telegraph last week, wants Roma striker Fabio Borini, which would intensify competition for places at Anfield.

The Liverpool manager, who has built his reputation on short-passing, fast-moving football, will use pre-season to assess whether Carroll, an old-fashioned 'battering ram' centre forward, fits in to his plans.

Rodgers said, "Time will tell for him and all the players whether they are in my plans, but my job is to assess that. Like every player, there are certain styles and systems which will allow them to flourish.

"He's no different to any player we have here, they might have all the attributes but not the mentality to play. He's a good kid, a good lad, so we will just see how the formation of the group shapes up."

Asked about the option of loaning out Carroll, Rodgers said: "It's something I would have to look at. Is it going to be beneficial for the club, that's the most important thing? Sometimes a player going out on loan - in general, not just Andy - can benefit the club in the long term. It gets them game experience, and they come back a better player, a more confident one. Certainly more so than if they've been sitting on the bench for the majority of the season.

"Andy's always going to be linked with clubs, here or not. I have spoken to him on his holidays, he knows exactly where he stands, but I have had no inquiries about him."

In addition to his bid for Borini, Rodgers promised another "exciting" signing was imminent.

"We have only made three or four inquiries about players and hopefully can close out one deal this week which will be a really exciting one for the club, one the supporters will absolutely love."