24 Mar 2012

Liverpool plan to offer Suarez new deal

11:24 am on 24 March 2012

The Liverpool managing director Iain Ayre admits footballer Luis Suarez is likely to be offered a new contract in the close-season to stop the Uruguay striker being lured away from Anfield.

Suarez, 25, signed a five-and-a-half year contract on his arrival in January 2011, but the Reds are keen to extend that deal following reported interest from big-spending French club Paris Saint Germain.

The former Ajax star has endured a difficult season after being banned for eight games for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

But his form has remained strong and he caused concern on Merseyside by reportedly suggesting he would be interested in linking up with international teammate Diego Lugano at PSG.

Liverpool are keen to stave off any interest from elsewhere and Ayre says Suarez is an important part of the club's set-up.