West Ham moved one step closer to completing a move for Andy Carroll after agreeing a fee with Liverpool.
According to reports, Liverpool agreed to sell Carroll in the summer transfer window after coming to terms on a £15 million ($23 million) fee with West Ham.
The 24-year-old striker impressed during his season-long loan spell at Upton Park last season, despite scoring only seven goals, although he was bothered by injuries.
Liverpool are desperate to get Carroll off their wage bill, having famously bought the England international from Newcastle in January 2011 for an exorbitant £35 million ($53 million).
The only aspect standing in the way of the move being sealed is Carroll himself, who has to give the go-ahead and agree on personal terms with West Ham, with a salary cut looking likely.
However, playing regularly with West Ham next season will considerably increase the chances of the striker making the England squad for the World Cup Qualifiers and indeed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and Carroll recently expressed how much he has enjoyed his stay at West Ham.
"I have enjoyed every minute of being here," he told the club's official website.
"I have just tried to play my best in every match, score goals and keep myself fit once I got back from the injuries I had and then push on from there.
"I have worked hard to get myself back in the England squad, trying to play my best for West Ham, so I am really pleased about that.
"I just have to make sure I keep playing well to stay in there.
"I have had a great season here at West Ham, really enjoyed being part of a great set of lads in the team, with the staff around us and the fans.
"Everyone has been so welcoming to me and I have been over the moon to be here. This is a great club."
Brendan Rodgers has given his nod to the move with Carroll clearly not suited to his style of play. Newcastle were also interested in signing the big striker, but now it seems like only a matter of time before the move to West Ham is made permanent.
