Liverpool have made contact with Newcastle over a potential deal which would see Andy Carroll head back to St James' Park and Hatem Ben Arfa to Anfield, according to the
Mirror. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is prepared to finally wash his hands of the giant forward just over two years after his £35 million move from the North East. Carroll has found life increasingly difficult at Anfield and was farmed out on loan in 2012 to West Ham having managed just 11 goals for the Reds. However, the Magpies are now seriously considering a bid for the England international, to set up what would be an emotional homecoming. Carroll is still popular in Newcastle following his 33 goals in 91 appearances and would relish a move "back home". Meanwhile, France international Ben Arfa is one of three attacking midfielders Rodgers is looking at bringing to Merseyside, according to the same report, and has emerged as a summer transfer target for the Northern Irishman. Rodgers will be hoping a deal can be made that makes both parties happy, and relations between the two sides have thawed since last summer, when there was a bust-up between Rodgers and counterpart Pardew following a loan bid for Carroll.