Lionel Messi Open for Luis Suarez Transfer to Barcelona Despite Bite Incident

Lionel Messi is reportedly ready to welcome Liverpool striker Luis Suarez at Barcelona despite the bite incident, according to the Mirror.

The PFA Player of the Year was involved in an incident where he dug his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini's shoulders during Italy's 1-0 defeat in the final Group D clash of the World Cup against Uruguay.

Suarez has been handed a four-month ban from football, along with a nine-match international ban by Fifa for his behaviour. Before the incident, the former Ajax man was strongly linked with a move away from Anfield, with Barcelona being his next likely destination.

The Mirror's report claims Messi would still welcome Suarez at Camp Nou and is supportive of the Catalan club's pursuit of landing the Uruguayan international in the summer transfer window, ahead of compatriot and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.

The former Atletico Madrid star was also a rumoured target for Barcelona, but Messi will prefer to play alongside Suarez next season, instead of Aguero. The Spanish giants' sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has already held talks with the Argentine international over Suarez's transfer before he left for Brazil for the summer event.

Luis Enrique, the La Liga outfit's new manager has made Suarez his prime target of the summer transfer window. Barcelona are willing to sign the Reds star on a five-year-deal and the contract will include a few conditions.

The deal the Camp Nou side are ready to offer to Suarez will contain restriction in pay sanctions if he is involved in any behavioural issues. The same report also claims the Mersyeside club were keen on keeping the striker at Anfield beyond the summer transfer window.

However, Suarez's latest incident has let Brendan Rodgers' side change their minds as they are ready to part ways with their prized asset this summer.

Barcelona are willing to add Alexis Sanchez as a part of Suarez's transfer to sweeten the deal. Should the swap deal take place, the addition of the Chilean international to Liverpool's squad could help him replace the troubled striker.