Brendan Rodgers needs at least three strikers © PA Photos Enlarge

Brendan Rodgers has hit out Newcastle's attempts to re-sign striker Andy Carroll on loan, insisting he would have to be a "nutcase" to accept their offer.

Rodgers has refused to deny that £35 million signing Carroll is available for transfer this summer, leading to the likes of West Ham and former club Newcastle bidding for his services. The Magpies are keen to take the forward on loan for the season with a view to a permanent move, but Rodgers feels that is a disrespectful proposal.

Rodgers insists he needs at least three strikers at the club - so will not let Carroll go unless his departure gives him the funds, and the time, to find a replacement.

"There is absolutely no chance any team will do a number on us - and certainly not Newcastle," Rodgers said. "Newcastle got £35 million for this player last year. To even consider wanting to take him on loan is a liberty, really.

"I need a minimum of three strikers. Once the window shuts, that it is it until January. I have got Luis Suarez, Fabio Borini and Andy Carroll.

"I would need to be a nutcase to even consider at this moment to let Andy Carroll go out, unless there are other solutions for that."

Rodgers did not deny that Carroll could still be sold at the right price, however. The same goes for defender Daniel Agger - although Rodgers reiterated that Manchester City's tentative interest has so far failed to get anywhere near what the Reds would deem an acceptable fee.

"I can't see anything at this stage, to be honest. He [Agger] is not a player that I want to lose and I never thought I was going to lose him," said Rodgers.

"Like every player in the group, if someone comes in with a big, big offer then that might be out of my hands in relation to the club and where it is at with finances, but I wouldn't see us losing Daniel."

Rodgers also revealed that he had planned to start Carroll in the Europa League against Hearts on Thursday, but an injury has made him doubtful for the game.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.