Memphis

Having heard it, I think it was ill-advised to give the interview at all. Once you start the interview, you're inclined as a matter of formality and politeness to be complimentary and conciliatory, which can come across totally wrong in certain contexts - like this one. He's been committed on the pitch, can't imagine that would change, but it's fucking stupid to agree to go on LFC.TV knowing the situation.

Watching it now... It's a phone interview. FULL TRANSCRIPT (slightly edited for clarity, but that's all) Interviewer: "First of all, tell us what kind of player we're getting here at Liverpool." Nolan: "Oh, you're getting a top, top player. Erm...obviously, I've had a lot of texts, lot of calls over the last day or so and um, quite surprised at how pleased everyone is with it, cause he's only burst onto the scene in the last 6 months, but believe you me, you've got a top, top player. He's gonna be one of the best, I certainly believe, he's definitely up there...there's no one like him in the league. He will score you goals, he'll create you goals, he'll show you desire...what Liverpool fans want, and they deserve it." Interviewer: "What kind of character is he in the dressing room? is he a strong character?" Nolan: "Yeah, obviously, he's a young lad, you know, everyone forgets that. We all made mistakes when we were young, it's just that his have been well-publicised. He's a great lad around the dressing room, you know he's funny in his own little wicked way. I'm very friendly with him - I've managed to get away with him a few times last year, with a couple of friends of mine who are gonna be in Liverpool with him to help him settle in. When we first heard about it - well, when I heard about it with him - he just said to me, 'Whatcha think?' and you can imagine my reaction towards him and everything, I was just delighted for him. He's gonna be a great addition to hopefully what's gonna be a great new start for Liverpool." Interviewer: 'Are you surprised at how much he's developed over the last 12 months?" Nolan: "Yeah, I don't think anyone can say they're not surprised. But we always knew he had the talent, it was just the temperament and everything what comes with it. but he has got it - he's got everything. I think you've seen a lot of things wrote about him in the papers, which in my own opinion, has been very unfair - and I'm talking about the front pages up here - but I think when he gets on the pitch there's not many people who are gonna stop him. With the quality Liverpool have got, the likes of Stevie, Meireles, the players probably yous have been linked with to get in the window and again in the summer puttin' it on a plate for him, he won't let them down, I'm confident." Interviewer: "He does seem to now really believe he can terrorise defenses in the premier League- do you see that to be true?" Nolan: "I loved played with him, because you know he is gonna give you everything he's got and he's gonna make sure the two central defenders come up knowing they've got a game. People say he's an old fashioned type center forward, but i'm sure over the next 5 years or so, you'll see he's got more than that to his game. He is, you know - he does like a header and all - but he's got more to his game. I think it showed with the goal against yous at our place this season, he's got the talent to strike a great ball too, overall his play's been brilliant for us. I'm absolutely gutted we've lost him but I'm absolutely delighted to see him go to such a fantastic club."

Already angry about Phil Airey's 2013 move to Chelsea for 150m.

Boumsong for 25m?

He's joined Bolton. Like I said, in vain.

Am hoping very likely in vain that we'll end up with Sturridge. It'll probably be more like Jon Walters.

5 more Ben Arfas and 5 more Tiotes.

Bradley to Villa is done, so I'd assume this is all set to be announced shortly.

What, by rejecting a record fee for him? Then accepting a bigger one, yes. After he put in a transfer request. Not so sure that's the order in which things transpired.

What, by rejecting a record fee for him? Then accepting a bigger one, yes.

Carroll when he signed his new deal: “It does feel good when you hear that the club are not prepared to sell you at any price." So when he finds out they are prepared to sell him, even for stupid money, it changes his feeling. Simple as that.

Sid Lowe says deal is officially done.

I'm guessing it'll be Elmander in - maybe Sturridge on loan. Just a sad, sad day.

No, it increased his price substantially.

Current British record paid is 32.5m for Robinho.

Gonna hurt to watch him bang in goals for those fucks.

Transfer request = no loyalty payment from club.

Guardian rumour of Johan Elmander having late medical here.

No question Carroll wanted to stay, but: 1. Had his head turned by huge pay rise. 2. Sees that the club are willing to sell him.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/reds-agree-carroll-fee

On Liverpool's official site.

I'm not normally a conspiracy theorist, but this all smacks of being orchestrated to make the club look tough for refusing to sell, but ultimately having its hand forced by a player who wants to leave.

This makes the most sense. My prediction - the bid will edge up and be accepted at or near 40m, but it won't be confirmed until very very late as we simply have to find something resembling a short-term replacement (Sturridge, perhaps) before making it official.

Holy shit.

From Caulkin: BREAKING: #NUFC have received improved bid from #lfc for Carroll which has been REJECTED.