One of the summer's longest transfer sagas has come to a close as Liverpool big man Andy Carroll signed today on a season-long loan with West Ham.

The striker was unlikely to feature in new manager Brendan Rodgers's new look for Liverpool. The new Rodgers system demands pace, quality short passing and intelligent movement from every player on the pitch; qualities which the young England striker does not possess.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will look to Carroll to lead the line with his dominate aerial presence and deadly left foot.

Under the terms of the loan, according to the Telegraph, West Ham has the option -- but not the obligation -- to sign Carroll on a permanent deal. However, that possibility is discounted by many observers owing to Carroll seeking a permanent move to a higher profile club.

The move came Thursday, the same day that "a source" told ESPN's SoccerNet that there "is not a chance" Carroll would be transferred, and that "he's staying at Liverpool."

Liverpool signed Andy Carroll from Newcastle for 35 million pounds in January 2011, after Fernando Torres submitted a transfer request at the 11th hour to go to Chelsea. Carroll came to Anfield under heavy expectation to live up to his transfer fee, which despite several bright spots, went largely unfulfilled.

Liverpool has made inquiries into a possible loan from Chelsea of young England striker Daniel Sturridge, a deal that seems contingent upon Chelsea signing young German striker Andre Schurrle. The London club put in a bid late Friday night, according to the Guardian.