Liverpool agree record fee to sign Newcastle's Carroll - Reuters

By Martyn Herman

LONDON | Mon Jan 31, 2011 1:40pm EST

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool have had a British transfer record offer accepted by Newcastle United for striker Andy Carroll, the Premier League club said as the closure of the transfer window loomed Monday.

Newcastle, who had turned down two offers for the 22-year-old on deadline day, caved in when Carroll handed in a transfer request which they "reluctantly" accepted.

"Liverpool FC confirmed this afternoon that Newcastle United had accepted a club record offer for the transfer of Andy Carroll," a statement on Liverpool's website said.

"The club have been given permission by Newcastle to discuss personal terms with the player, who will now travel to Liverpool for a medical."

Reports put the fee at 35 million pounds, plus add-ons, which would make him comfortably the most expensive signing by a British club, eclipsing the fee Manchester City paid Real Madrid for Robinho and Manchester United paid Tottenham Hotspur for Dimitar Berbatov.

Carroll's move to Liverpool, who have also signed Uruguay's Luis Suarez from Ajax as new manager Kenny Dalglish re-models his squad, would appear to pave the way for Fernando Torres to complete his switch to Chelsea.

Spain's Torres was expected to join the west London club for a fee that could reach 50 million pounds, according to reports, although Liverpool were tight-lipped on any deal.

The powerful Carroll, born in the Newcastle heartland of Gateshead, made his first-team debut in 2006 and has developed into one of the Premier League's most feared frontmen, netting 11 times in the league this season.

His muscular game, touch and finishing ability earned him a call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad in November when he made his international debut against France.

Carroll's departure would be a huge blow to Newcastle and their fans who have given the pony-tailed "No.9" cult hero status after his 19 goals last season helped Newcastle regain their place in the Premier League.

"The 22-year-old England international has this afternoon handed in a transfer request, which has been reluctantly accepted by the club, and Carroll is currently with Liverpool over a move to Anfield," a Newcastle statement said.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)