Rodgers On Andy Carroll's Future

Brendan Rodgers insists now is not the time to discuss Andy Carroll's long-term future – but revealed Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on the striker all season.

The 24-year-old joined West Ham United on a season-long loan at the start of 2012-13 and the Reds have monitored his progress closely, according to the boss.

Rodgers told Fox: "We've monitored it very closely. We've had representatives from Liverpool at most of the games.

"It's obviously been a difficult season for Andy because his initial idea was he wanted to go out and play every week, but unfortunately for him he's picked up some injuries since he's been away.

"But he scored two very good goals at the weekend and he'll be looking to finish the season on a high and achieve the objectives he wanted to before he went out."

On Carroll's future beyond the end of the current campaign, Rodgers added: "It's nothing to discuss now. It's something we'll speak about at the end of the season."

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Joe Cole Completes West Ham Move

Liverpool Football Club have confirmed that Joe Cole has returned to West Ham on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old midfielder leaves Anfield after a unsuccessful two-and-a-half-year spell with the Reds following his transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2010.

Cole who started his career with West Ham before joining Chelsea in 2003, has signed a 18-month contract. It is believed that Liverpool have paid Cole £3m to make up for lost wages.

He told the West Ham’s official website: “It is a great move for me. Coming back here brings back all the memories of the pitches I learnt how to play on.

“This is where I learnt my trade and I’m happy to have another chance to be here. I’ve always loved West Ham and I hope I can give the club a few memorable seasons.

“The timing was right for me to come back and I’m happy. I’m back in London and I’m delighted to be here. I want to be here and I want to make an impact.

“Sam Allardyce didn’t have to sell me the club for me to come back. For me, I have had 18 months at Liverpool where I haven’t played much football and Sam wants to play me.

“I feel like I owe the club a little bit as well because if it wasn’t for West Ham I wouldn’t be a footballer. This club’s great youth-team coaches taught me the trade.”

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