Manchester City have made Luis Suarez their
top summer transfer market and believe that a "huge investment" will be
enough to lure Liverpool's star striker away from Anfield in time for
next season, according to the Sunday Times.
Suarez has been nothing short of sensational for Liverpool this
season, scoring 29 goals in 27 Premier League games, but that fantastic
form only came after a turbulent summer where the Uruguay forward lodged
a very public transfer request.
Liverpool managed to rebuff interest from Arsenal last summer but are
set for another fierce fight to keep their best player during the close
season, despite Suarez signing a new contract in December which commits
his future to the club until 2018.
City's director of football Txiki Begiristain has a strong working
relationship with Suarez's agent and is anxious that Sergio Aguero or
Edin Dzeko could ask to leave the Etihad this summer, with work started
on a swoop for their replacement as a contingency.
Begiristain is confident of making a mega-money move for Suarez and
thinks there is a release clause if Suarez's new deal that can pave the
way for a shock Premier League switch, although Real Madrid are also
believed to be very interested in signing a top-class centre forward
ahead of next season.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has held firm in his stance over Suarez
ever since taking charge on Merseyside, but this summer promises to be
the sternest test of that outlook despite the title contenders almost
certainly securing a return to Champions League football.
