As Barcelona continued their charm offensive ahead of entering talks with Liverpool regarding the potential sale of embattled striker Luis Suarez, the Catalan giants confirmed that they’ve had bids come in for highly rated Chilean attacker Alexis Sanchez — a player that the Reds have shown a massive interest in.
The 25-year old has been one of the many stars of this years World Cup in Brazil and his dynamite performances have enhanced not only his reputation, but his price tag as well. Despite his impressive outings on the world’s biggest stage, he looks set to leave the La Liga powerhouses with Suarez looking all the more likely to set up shop at the Camp Nou.
“Regarding Alexis, there have been offers” said Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta. “We will try and find a solution best for everyone.” A cash plus player deal has been heavily touted as the best solution for Liverpool with the Reds valuing the Uruguayan goal machine at £80mil — a price tag that even the flush Catalonians may find hard to swallow.
Although the ban handed down by FIFA for Suarez’s latest bit of drama will keep him out of action for four months, in the eyes of the Anfield outfit, it hasn’t lowered his asking price a single red cent with primary owner John W. Henry keen to hold out for the whole asking price and nothing less. Take it or leave it will be chief executive officer Ian Ayre’s exact instructions when he meets Zubizarreta for talks in London on Wednesday, and though Liverpool are in a bit of a weaker position, they’re not prepared to budge from it.
The increased transfer speculation comes on the back of Suarez finally issuing a public apology for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini as the Uruguayan’s sent the Azzurri packing — a rumoured condition of his move to Barcelona. There are whispers that Sanchez would prefer a move to London over Merseyside, but no matter where he ends up, it’s likely that he won’t be at the Nou Camp when the season kicks off in August.
