Reds step up Carroll pursuit

Liverpool were today believed to be stepping up their pursuit of Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.

The Magpies initially rejected a bid of £30m for the 22-year-old from the Anfield club, whose own frontman Fernando Torres is being pursued by Chelsea.

And it is understood Liverpool then returned to Newcastle with an increased offer this afternoon.

The offers arrived just days after Tottenham had their own approach for Carroll rebuffed after weeks of being linked with the Gateshead-born Newcastle academy graduate.

Manager Alan Pardew has repeatedly insisted since his arrival on Tyneside that Carroll is not for sale as he attempts to tie up the futures of all of his key players.

However, it remains to be seen whether there is a point at which the Magpies will do business.

Carroll has made no secret of his desire to remain with the club he supported as a boy, but as some of the Barclays Premier League’s traditional powers come calling, that too will be put to the test.

It appears that Newcastle’s firm refusal over their 11-goal hitman will be pushed to the limit ahead of tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

Pardew’s scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Fulham was today put back by 90 minutes to 3.30pm and then cancelled.

As well as Carroll’s situation, Stephen Ireland’s impending loan move from Aston Villa and Joey Barton’s contractual situation were expected to be on the agenda.

The club’s fans now face an anxious wait to see if owner Mike Ashley, who has brought a new financial realism to St James’ Park during his time at the helm, decides to cash in on his biggest asset.

The Magpies have yet to guarantee their safety in the Premier League despite an encouraging campaign so far, and relegation in the wake of Carroll’s departure would prove hugely expensive.