Manchester City is reportedly ready to make a stunning £40million bid in the January transfer window for Liverpool golden boy Luis Suarez.
City are ready to make a statement of intent to Premier League title contenders Manchester United and Chelsea by trying to sign Liverpool’s main asset, but they will face huge resistance from Anfield, who know that losing their main goal threat could de-rail Liverpool’s season.
It is thought Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants to make show of strength and reinforce his position at the club after a recent run of bad results and speculation over his future at the Etihad.
One casualty, if this deal were to go through, is thought to be City striker and bad boy Mario Balotelli, with Paris Saint-Germain likely to be interested. Balotelli will have to be sold to make way for Suarez, with funds from any sales going straight towards bringing in the former Ajax man.
There was speculation that City were looking to bring in Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, who has a £48million release clause. But the Columbian international, who has been prolific for Atletico is thought to be keen on a move to London with Chelsea.
Suarez cost Liverpool £24million when they signed him from Ajax in January 2011 and has carried the team almost single-handedly this season. But it is thought if a bid were to come in for £40million then Liverpool would have trouble turning it down, although the fee will likely end up closer to £50million, the same fee which was paid for Fernando Torres in the same transfer window.
Liverpool will have the advantage in any negotiations after Suarez signed a new four-year deal in August, taking his weekly earnings to £120,000, an amount which City will have no trouble in matching and more than likely increase.
Suarez has himself told Brendan Rodgers in the past that he wants to stay with Liverpool, saying:
“I hope to play for many years here. This is a great team and everyone around the world knows Liverpool.”
The real test of the striker’s loyalty, though, will come if City makes a bid, being able to offer vastly improved wages but also the trophies and title he desires.
Source: DSG
