Newcastle United have accepted Liverpool's £35m bid for Andy Carroll, a British record transfer fee that could pave the way for Fernando Torres to complete his move to Chelsea before tonight's transfer deadline.

"Liverpool FC confirmed this afternoon that Newcastle United had accepted a club record offer for the transfer ofAndy Carroll," said a statement on Liverpool's website.

"The club have been given permission by Newcastle to discuss personal terms with the player, who will now travel toLiverpool for a medical."

Liverpool, who are close to completing the £22.8m signing of the striker Luis Suárez from Ajax, moved for the once-capped England international with a £25m offer this morning as they rebuild in the wake of Torres's anticipated departure.

Newcastle rejected £25m but made it clear they would consider selling their prized asset for an extra £10m. Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, then sanctioned a club-record transfer that satisfies Newcastle's demands and are now waiting on the hierarchy at St James' Park to ratify the transfer.

The centre-forward has only played a total of 41 games at Premier League level and has courted controversy off the field during his brief career. Nevertheless, he is regarded as one of the most promising young English strikers in the game and his presence would be required at Anfield should Torres leave.

Alan Pardew was due to give a press conference this afternoon ahead of Newcastle's game at Fulham on Wednesday but it was cancelled by the club.

• Andy Carroll
• Liverpool
• Newcastle United
• Fernando Torres
• Transfer window
• news