Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers plays down Andy Carroll speculation

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has played down the recent speculation linking striker Andy Carroll with a move to AC Milan.

The England striker has been the subject of reports in Italy claiming that the Serie A side are keen to bring the 23-year-old to the San Siro on a loan deal this summer.

Carroll has struggled to find regular goal-scoring form at Anfield since moving to Merseyside from Newcastle United in a £35m deal in January 2011.

But new Reds manager Rodgers has moved to quell the rumours of an exit, insisting Milan have not made any approach. However, Rodgers says he understands why the forward would attract interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

“He’s a good player, Andy, so he’ll always be linked whether he’s here or not,” Rodgers said.

“I’ve spoken to Andy on his holidays. He knows exactly where he stands. I’ve had the chance to speak to a lot of the players.

“He is a very good young player and, like I said, he will be linked with clubs because he is such a good player.

“I haven’t had anything [enquiries] from them [AC Milan] at all.”

Rodgers also remained coy on the future of midfielder Alberto Aquilani after the Italian spent last season on loan to AC Milan.

“I had a good chat with Alberto the other day,” said Rodgers.

“He’s a good guy. It obviously hasn’t really worked out for him as of yet, but he’s a player who’s got the quality in terms of technical and tactical ability to play.

“But what’s going to be important for every player is that they have the steel and mindset to play. It will be very important and that’s something I’ll find out over the course of pre-season about all the players.”

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Read more on: Andy Carroll, Brendan Rodgers, Football transfers, Liverpool, Premier League.