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Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he'd be willing to let the striker leave on loan with AC Milan among the potential suitors. Willie Duncan looks at what the future may hold

Since joining Liverpool back in January 2011, Andy Carroll has found himself thrust into the media spotlight.

The Gateshead-born striker has often been the subject of ridicule after struggling to live up to the expectations that a £35 million price tag can bring.

However, the end of the season marked something of an upturn in fortunes for Carroll as the former Newcastle United man turned in some impressive performances for his club, winning his place in England’s Euro 2012 squad in the process, before scoring the opening goal for his country in their 3-2 win over Sweden in Kiev.

It would not be unreasonable, then, to expect a fresh and reinvigorated Carroll to return to pre-season training at Anfield, hoping to make a big impact as Brendan Rodgers’ men look to challenge at the top end of the English Premier League table.

It seems, though, as if the 23-year-old's immediate future at Liverpool might not be clear cut as it first appeared.

New manager Rodgers admitted that he would be willing to loan Carroll out with Italian giants AC Milan believed to be amongst the striker’s admirers.

With speculation rife, bookmaker William Hill has opened a book on whether Carroll will still be at Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The odds compilers clearly believe that Carroll will still be at Liverpool when the new season kicks off with William Hill making it a 1/3 (1.33) shot that the striker remains in Rodgers’ plans.

However, Rodgers is a known admirer of Roma striker Fabio Borini, having brought the striker to Swansea City on loan in 2011 and should the two be reunited once more, it could pave the way for Carroll to depart Anfield on, at least, a temporary basis before the season starts.

That outcome is chalked up at a tempting 9/4 (3.25) with William Hill and, with the bookmaker stipulating that a loan move would count for the purposes of the bet, it is a price which is sure to tempt many.

There's also a 6/1 (7.0) quote from the same firm that Carroll joins Milan in some form before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

There is sure to be plenty of transfer speculation throughout the summer but, as one of the most watched players in the Premier League, the future of Carroll is sure to interest many and it may be worth taking a chance on William Hill's 9/4 (3.25) quote on the England international leaving Anfield before the opening day of the 2012/13 campaign.

Recommended Bet: Andy Carroll to leave Liverpool before the first day of the season at 9/4 (3.25) with William Hill

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Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter

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