JOYCE POT

LIVERPOOL HOPEFUL; OF HOLDING ON TO STAR STRIKER LUIS SUAREZ AS SPAINISH GIANTS REAL MADRID AND BARCELONA LOOK TO SWOOP

Liverpool remain hopeful that Luis Suarez will stay at Anfield at the start of the season despite the rumblings of intent emanating from Spain.

Barcelona and Real Madrid will both make bids for Suarez this summer but so far none have been received.

Liverpool have enquired about the availability of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, who the Catalans are willing to sell, but a part-exchange deal involving Suarez has yet to be discussed.

VIDEO Scroll down to see a Luis Suarez look-a-like working as an air steward

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Targeted: Luis Suarez is a transfer target of Real Madrid and Barcelona

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Delight: The Uruguayan celebrating his vital winning goal against England last Thursday

  

Barcelona media believe that Uruguay striker Suarez has taken the decision to leave Liverpool this summer and the comments he made following Thursday's defeat of England have given them and Real Madrid encouragement. However, Liverpool have yet to receive any such indication.

Although a figure of £82million has been mentioned, Suarez and his camp say there is no release clause in his latest contract and that indicates it will all be down to how much money either club throw at the project.

Madrid have long been considered favourites but they have a side issue with Karim Benzema's contract talks that could yet have a bearing on the speed of their move for Suarez.

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Wanted: Liverpool are hoping to sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona if they lose Suarez

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Stumbling block: Real Madrid's talks with their forward Karim Benzema could hinder their move for Suarez

Should Benzema agree terms on a proposed £7m a year deal it is possible they may even postpone a major assault for Suarez until next year.

They are selling Alvaro Morata, and are willing to listen to offers for Angel di Maria, Sami Khedira and Fabio Coentrao. All have been linked with Liverpool but di Maria and Khedira, particularly, may have more relevance to Chelsea if Madrid continue to push for Carlo Ancelotti favourite Ramires.

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao is also being offered to Madrid which, it is understood, he would prefer despite interest from other clubs.

Uruguay hero Luis Suarez gets serenaded by team-mates

 

Football fans find a Luis Suarez lookalike on a plane