Liverpool have moved to stave off outside interest in Luis Suarez by reportedly opening negotiations with the striker over extending his contract at Anfield.
The club's managing director Ian Ayre is understood to have flown to Barcelona on Tuesday to meet with the player's agent Pere Guardiola for preliminary talks to thrash out an extension to the hitman's existing deal, which expires in 2018.
Suarez's long-term future on Merseyside has long been a subject of speculation after the 26-year-old was heavily linked with moves to Real Madrid and Arsenal - the latter of whom saw a £40,000,001 bid knocked back by owner John Henry - in the last transfer window.
The Uruguay international has been in scintillating form for the Reds this season, with his 17 goals aiding the club's title challenge and, according to Goal.com, Liverpool are keen to tie the star up to a £130k-per-week deal in an effort to avoid another transfer saga which dominated headlines during the summer.
Shane Callaghan
