Liverpool have rejected an inquiry from Aston Villa for striker Andy Carroll that would spark a swap with Darren Bent, according to the Daily Express.
Carroll has netted just six times for The Reds since his £35 million move from Newcastle United during last term's January transfer window.
Rumours have been abound that Liverpool were looking to bring in Bent this winter, to assist their plight int eh final third, which has seen them fail to hit the net in their last two Premier League outings.
A week after Kenny Dalglish admitted he was unwilling to sell Carroll, Liverpool have turned down an offer to swap the goal-shy forward.
The report suggests Villa are likely to try again, while any deal involving Bent moving to Anfield in January is now likely to now involve Carroll.
Luis Suarez is out until Feburary and Dirk Kuyt having failed to score a Premier League goal all season, while Bent has netted eight goals in all competitions this term.
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