Carroll: I wasn't wanted

Andy Carroll claimed he was asked to hand in a transfer request as Liverpool closed in on their £35million swoop for him.

Carroll told the Evening Chronicle that he had been in talks over a new and improved contract at St James' Park when it became clear he was longer wanted on Tyneside.

He said: "(Managing director) Derek Llambias asked me to hand in a transfer request, so I was pushed into a corner and had no choice. I wasn't wanted by them and they made it clear they wanted the money."

Carroll added: "Then I flew down in (owner Mike Ashley's) helicopter. I didn't want to leave.

"I'm gutted that I wasn't wanted at my home team after everything I have done and the progress I have made. I didn't want to leave at all.

"The players, staff and fans were fantastic. Make sure they know I didn't want to leave."

However, manager Alan Pardew has insisted Carroll decided to leave after asking for a new deal, which was not forthcoming.

Pardew told the Shields Gazette: "We didn't force anybody to leave.

"I disagree with that point. He had a contract here for five years, and at some point it would get renewed, but for him to sign in October and it get renewed in January - where would it stop?"