Liverpool striker Andy Carroll delays over West Ham move

The England international is keeping his options open

Andy Carroll still plans to speak with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers before deciding where he will start next season (EPA)

Andy Carroll has postponed making a decision on which club he will play for next season because of the heel injury that will rule him out until the end of July.

Carroll's disappointment at the three-month lay-off and the fact he will miss England's friendlies with Brazil and the Republic of Ireland has led to a postponement of any immediate transfer.

West Ham tabled an offer that will eventually be worth more than £15m on Tuesday but talks between the player's representatives and officials from either his employers Liverpool or the club where he spent last season on loan have still to start.

"We haven't discussed it yet because the blow of missing the England squad is massive to him," said the player's agent, Mark Curtis.

Newcastle were keen for their interest to be downplayed but there is still expected to be conversations with potential buyers and Carroll still plans to speak with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers before deciding where he will start next season. That could yet happen within the next seven days.

The Newcastle manager, Alan Pardew, had expressed an interest in the 24-year-old in the final week of the Premier League season and remains a fan of the player. He wants to sign two new forwards this summer.