Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has reportedly told Liverpool bosses that he will not offer more than £12m for Andy Carroll.
The 23-year-old forward became the most expensive British player ever when he left Tyneside to join the Reds for a fee of £35m in January 2011.
However, it is understood that Carroll, who has only scored six goals in 43 Premier League games for Liverpool, has been told that he is now surplus to requirements by manager Brendan Rodgers.
Newcastle want Carroll back and would prefer to take him on an initial season-long loan, but they are prepared to strike a permanent deal for a fee of £12m, according to The Telegraph.
A disagreement over price appears to be the only obstacle in Carroll's potential return to St James' Park, with all three parties seemingly very keen for the move to happen.
