Reds still working on exchange deal.
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Liverpool remain keen to persuade Alexis Sanchez to move to Anfield this summer, but a deal for Luis Suarez to join Barcelona does not hinge on the Chilean World Cup star, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Uruguayan is closing in on a big-money move to the Nou Camp after a superb season for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who will still pocket £75.5m from the transfer if they cannot land themselves a new signing as part of the deal.
A move could be finalised within the next 48 hours, but Liverpool may concede that Sanchez is out of reach, with rumours suggesting he would favour a move to either Arsenal or Juventus.
Although the Reds are keen to bring in replacements upfront for the departing Suarez, who scored 31 goals in 33 games last season to finish as the Premier League’s top scorer and Player of the Year, they are also happy to accept the cash and look elsewhere for new additions.
With Sanchez perhaps heading to Arsenal, Liverpool could then move for one of the Gunners’ main transfer targets in the form of AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, who is seemingly available this summer.
A £75.5m move would see Suarez become the third most expensive player of all time, just behind Real Madrid pair Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.