Aston Villa open Andy Carroll talks?

Aston Villa have reportedly begun talks with Liverpool over a potential deal to bring Andy Carroll to Villa Park.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is believed to have told the 23-year-old forward that he is not in the club's plans ahead of the new season.

Villa would prefer to sign Carroll on a loan basis initially, but the Midlands club are willing to negotiate a financial package worth an eventual £20m, according to The Metro.

Newcastle United are also interested in Carroll, while West Ham United have ended their pursuit of the player after failing to agree a deal with Liverpool.