Andy Carroll (AC-9) says he wants to stay at NUFC

ANDY CARROLL is hoping he will still be a Newcastle United player after the transfer window closes tonight after Liverpool lodged a late bid for the Geordie star.

However, a £30million bid was today rejected by United from the Kop side as fans went into the final day of the window nervous about the future of Newcastle's talisman.

Carroll woke up to headlines that Liverpool had offered £30m for him as the Reds faced a fight to hold on to Fernando Torres, with Chelsea desperate to land the Spanish striker. But, just like Spurs' offer of £25m, I understand this will be snubbed by Mike Ashley.

Carroll was on Tyneside today and expecting to be back in training this week at the club's Benton HQ.

He received the all-clear from a Swedish specialist to resume a season that has seen him smash his way to the top end of the Premier League's scorer's chart.

A source close to the player said to the Chronicle today: "He's in Newcastle and he's going to be at the training ground today.

"That should tell you everything you need to know about whether he's staying or going.

"He's tired of saying how much he wants to stay."

The player was preparing for a photo-shoot with Umbro in Newcastle today which pours cold water on talk that he was bound for Anfield – or anywhere else.

Toon star Carroll will be joined by Aston Villa's out-of-favour winger Stephen Ireland at United as Alan Pardew concludes his transfer business hopefully having kept the United No 9 along with Steven Taylor, Mike Williamson, Nile Ranger – and Joey Barton, who is due to put the finishing touches to a a new contract.

Barton's agent Willie McKay today confirmed that Barton was happy sign a new deal.

The Chronicle reported on January 20 that Ireland was on Alan Pardew's wishlist, but the last 11 days have required some intense negotiations between Aston Villa and the Magpies, with the manager and his managing director Derek Llambias working around the clock to make it happen.

I also understand that Ireland – who is excited by the switch to Newcastle – was originally offered to Sunderland as part of the controversial Darren Bent deal but the ex-Man City man didn't fancy the switch to Wearside.

Carroll has always insisted he wants to stay with United – even though every player has their price.

He said recently: "If I could stay here forever I'd be happy.

"I've always said that. This is my hometown and the club I have supported since I was young.

"It's always been my ambition to score the goals I know I can and wear the No 9 shirt, and that's what I intend to keep on doing."

However, it's no secret that Mike Ashley has taken calls from both Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Kop director of football Damien Comolli with the two clubs registering January interest in Carroll.

Kenny Dalglish is on a long list of Carroll's admirers this season with the Academy product making unbelievable progress in the last 12 months.

Newcastle have offloaded £5.6m striker Xisco on loan to Deportivo la Coruna with the deal expected to become permanent if he is a success at his old club.