Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists they won't sell Andy Carroll on the cheap.

The likeliest option still remains a permanent departure, with a return to Newcastle United in part-exchange for Hatem Ben Arfa a strong possibility.

Yet that does not mean the Reds will let the striker go for peanuts, even though Kop top brass know they will take a hit on the £35million he cost from the Toon in 2011.

Rodgers warned: "It's absolutely the case that IF the player does leave then it won't be for nothing.

"It is no fault of his own but he came here for an astronomical fee.

"There is no doubt Andy has real qualities - some of his goals from set- plays with West Ham have proven that. And the financial aspect to it means he won't be leaving on the cheap if he does."