Madrid on £40m bid to SUAREZ .......
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has admitted he would find it hard to turn down a move to Real Madrid, insisting he was not prepared to put up with the criticism he has faced in England any longer.
The Uruguayan said the criticism he faced from sections of the English media was a major reason behind his willingness to quit Merseyside.
Although suggestions Suárez could leave if a buy-out clause of €35 million (£30 million) was activated is incorrect, it is believed a £40 million bid from the Bernabéu could force his sale.
Suárez has given no guarantees he will stay at Anfield since he was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and had given hints that he might be willing to talk to clubs playing in theChampions League next season.
The South American said on Uruguayan radio last night: “I have a contract with Liverpool but would find it difficult to say ‘no’ to Real Madrid.”
Suárez has felt victimised by the media since he was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in 2011. He has also been criticised for allegedly diving too often and for his controversial “handball goal” against Mansfield Town in this season’s FA Cup.
Suarez said Liverpool had treated him well and he had “only words of thanks for the fans”. He added: “So far I have not received any official offer from Madrid.”
Liverpool insist they will not sell Suárez unless he asks for a transfer and the club’s valuation is met. However, there appears to be a growing momentum behind the 26-year-old leaving.
While the struggle to retain Suárez continues, Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas is due on Merseyside for a medical next week. The 25-year-old Spaniard will become the second recruit of the summer following the arrival of Kolo Touré on a free transfer.
Aspas is seen as a versatile frontman who can play in numerous roles either as a central striker or out wide, ideal for Rodgers’ favoured 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina has also said he would find it difficult to resist ending his eight-year Anfield career should Barcelona make their anticipated bid for his services.
The expected departure of Victor Valdés to Monaco has raised the possibility of Reina returning to the Nou Camp, where he started his career, and Liverpool will now press their player about his intentions.
“It’s hard to say no to Barca,” Reina said on Wednesday night. “Rumours are always there but I am calm and I have contract. I am very happy at Liverpool.”
Liverpool have received no offer from Barcelona, nor any suggestion from their goalkeeper he wants to leave. However, there is a belief within the club the interest from the La Liga champions is real, and an understanding that if a bid of about £10 million materialises it would be difficult to prevent Reina’s departure.
Not only would the player wish – understandably – to head back to Spain so he could play Champions League football, Liverpool would rate such a fee for a 30-year-old a fair price.
There is every possibility Reina could exit amicably, most at Anfield recognising he has remained at the club during a difficult period, but a fourth season without Champions League football is tough for a goalkeeper of his calibre – especially with such a lucrative suitor.
Equally, by his own admission, Reina has only recently rediscovered his best form after a couple of indifferent seasons and his loss would not be seen as setback it might have been two years ago.
Reina is among the top earners at Anfield, and Rodgers may feel he could reallocate funds and wages on a younger goalkeeper without unduly weakening his squad.