Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre says striker Luis Suarez's future remains in his own hands but is optimistic the Uruguayan will remain at Anfield.

Suarez has been quoted suggesting he would welcome offers from rival European clubs while claiming he craves the opportunity to play regular Champions League football.

Amid a fine season for the 27 year old, who leads the race for the Premier League golden boot with 22 goals, Suarez has continually claimed he would consider an offer to leave Liverpool, but Ayre is hopeful the club's star turn will stay true to his four-year contract.

Ian Ayre
Ayre says Suarez's fate lies in his own hands.

"You can read into the comments - it was given in his native language so I think maybe it was a bit lost in translation," Ayre told BBC Radio Five Live.

"We've been consistent with Luis. Last summer he signed a new four-year contract and we have no desire to sell Luis. He is a fantastic player and a great contributor to our team.

"We've been very honest with him and he's been very honest with us," Ayre continued.

"There is always going to be instances, particularly leading up to the summer window, when people are quoted or asked these questions but we are very pleased to have Luis and long may that continue.

"Every player will be approached by clubs because that is the nature of the game and every player has a choice. He has a four-year contract. We hope he will see it through.

"He also says in the same interview that he feels he is in an elite team at Liverpool. Every player is going to get approached by clubs because that is the nature of the game.

"We have been honest with him and he has been honest with us and there will always be instances, particularly leading up to the summer, where people are quoted or asked these questions, but we are very pleased to have Luis and long may that continue."

During an interview in his native Uruguay, Suarez said: "If another team comes around with more prospects of competing in international club competition games, which is willing to have me, they are welcome. We would talk to the club, we would see if I want to go, if I don't want to go."

While Suarez has done little off the pitch to dampen rumours of a possible summer departure, his form on the field has led to comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, with Liverpool set to miss out on qualification for the Champions League for a fourth successive season, Suarez is within his rights to question whether his ambition can be matched should he remain in Merseyside.

Lionel Messi