Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists there is "absolutely no way" Andy Carroll will leave the club on loan - but admits the Reds will consider any offers they receive.
Carroll, who left Newcastle to join the Reds at the start of 2011 for a club record £35milion, has been linked with a number of clubs in recent days after it emerged Rodgers is ready to offload him this summer.
Former club Newcastle last weekend had a loan bid rejected but are expected to return with an improved offer, while AC Milan, Aston Villa, Fulham and West Ham are also thought to be keen.
And Rodgers, who it is believed is wanting around £20m for the 23-year-old, has revealed the club's hierarchy will consider any bids for their record signing, despite rejecting suggestions that he does not believe the target man can fit into the passing style he adopted when in charge at Swansea.
"There has been a lot of unfair criticism of Andy, there has been a lot of speculation in the press in terms of not being able to fit into my style of play. I think that's unfair," Rodgers told Sky Sports News.
"If a club spends £35m on a player, you would expect that player to be able to fit into whatever style a manager will bring in.
"I've spoken openly and honestly with Andy in terms of where he is at, but I have done the same with all of the players, I have spoken to all of them, I have had communication with all of the group.
"It gets highlighted more with Andy because he is a young player. Maybe others may not see him fitting in with me, but for me he is an important part of the group.
"There is talk of him going on loan, but there is absolutely no way I would be looking to loan a player like that, especially after the investment the club have paid.
"But his condition will be the same as every player. If an offer comes in for any player at the club we would either look at it, or dismiss it, and Andy's no different to that."