Clint Dempsey
Fulham's Clint Dempsey (R) celebrates scoring against Bolton Wanderers during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London December 17, 2011. Reuters

What began looking like a rather spurious piece of speculation appears increasingly like it will come to fruition, with Liverpool actively seeking to move-on striker Andy Carroll. The press seems in little doubt that Brendan Rodgers frank comments on Carroll's future represent a clear indication that the towering England international does fit into his new manger's plans at Anfield.

The Independent reports that Liverpool have now accepted that Carroll's £35 million fee will never prove value for money and are willing to take a £20 million loss on the player whom they signed in a transfer window manic last few hours of the January 2011.

The story mentions West Ham and Fulham as potential suitors, while Newcastle could also look to bring back their former No.9.

The Telegraph has a slightly different take on proceedings, claiming instead that Liverpool will seek to ship Carroll off for a season-long loan. According to the article, several clubs have been contacted to inform them of the 23-year-old's availability.

If Liverpool do decide to sell Carroll then a mutually beneficial agreement with Fulham may be on the cards. Rodgers is said to be keen to sign the Cottagers' Clint Dempsey, who is known to be eager for a move away this summer.

After missing out on Gylfi Sigurdsson, Dempsey could be the ideal alternative as a goal-scoring midfielder.

With Liverpool's departure on their pre-season tour of North America quickly approaching, the transfer speculation coming out of Anfield is becoming increasingly voracious. Reports suggest that the coming days will see Fabio Borini unveiled as Rodgers' first signing since taking up the Liverpool reins.

Roma revealed on Tuesday that the Reds had made a move for the 21-year-old Italy international and now the player's agent has confirmed that he and his client are mulling over a reported £11 million offer to move to Merseyside.

Roma has informed us of Liverpool's interest in the boy, said Marco De Marchi, according to the Daily Mirror. Now it's up to Fabio to have his say.

We were alerted by Roma of the existence of this deal. I cannot honestly tell you the details but, as [Roma sporting director, Walter] Sabatini has already said, we're now seriously considering it.

Would the player want to go to Liverpool? Honestly, I don't want to commit myself as there will be more news in the coming days. Wait for that.

Liverpool could follow up Borini's signature with that of Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng, according to the Sun. Queens Park Rangers are thought to be in prime position to sign the 23-year-old South Korean, but according to the reports, Rodgers is keen to make a late bid to temp Ki to Anfield for a fee of £7 million.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has confirmed that they will struggle to hold onto Ki.

We had interest from a Russian club but rebuffed their offer and we've not heard back since, he said, according to Goal.com.

He seems pretty happy here but everyone's in the same boat-there will come a time when we have to sell because everyone has their price. Not just Ki but every player in the squad, like we did with Aiden McGeady.