LIVERPOOL chairman Tom Werner has insisted manager Brendan Rodgers will have the final say on the future of £35million striker Andy Carroll.

The 23-year-old England international has been the subject of intense speculation ever since the new Reds boss hinted he might not have a future at Anfield.

Carroll's situation remained unclear as he headed for North America to join up with his team-mates in Boston after an extended break following the European Championship, but Werner is adamant that any decision will be down to Rodgers.

He said: "The only thing I can say is we will do what's best for the club. At the moment, Andy is on the squad.

"He has got a lot of talent and we will see what happens there."

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger felt last night's opening match of Arsenal's tour was a "good workout" after watching his side come from behind to beat a Malaysia XI 2-1 in Bukit Jalil.

"We played two sides and I felt both did well. The first half was played at a high pace and was a good workout for us," said Wenger.

Arsenal now head to Beijing, where they will play Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City in the Bird's Nest Stadium on Friday.

Wantaway captain Robin van Persie is one of several first-team players left to work on training back home.

Arsenal have been linked with a £16million coup for Spain winger Santi Cazorla. However, when pressed if any more new signings were imminent, Wenger said: "No, we are not close."