Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew denies shutting the door on a late deal for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. Newcastle have so far failed with a loan bid and a cut-price offer to buy back the England target-man, who has been told he can leave by new Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

Pardew smiled: "I've always said it's not really down to me.

"Would I want him in my squad? Of course I would. Probably every Premier League manager in the country would want him in their squad.

"But can the business deal be done? That's nothing to do with me."

Pardew was then asked if Newcastle had returned with any improved offers for the striker, who left on deadline day in January 2011.

He added: "I've just answered that, I think."

And when asked if the deal was now dead, he responded: "I didn't say that."