Liverpool Star Luis Suarez Wants Barcelona Switch

Liverpool have reportedly suffered a massive blow in their bid to retain Luis Suarez beyond the summer transfer window.

La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are keen on bringing last season's Premier League top scorer to Spain as both clubs are set for a summer battle to acquire the Uruguayan international's signature.

According to the Metro, Suarez has reportedly informed his close friends that he wants to spurn a chance to join the Champions League winners and sign for the arch-rivals Barcelona.

The former Ajax man has informed his friends over the phone that he is eyeing an Anfield exit this summer.

Suarez is believed to be interested in leaving his current employers and join the start of another chapter at Camp Nou under the guidance of their new manager Luis Enrique.

The Catalan club's new boss is planning a summer overhaul and has made the Liverpool star his priority signing of the upcoming transfer window.

The Reds manager Brendan Rodgers would be hoping the club can do everything possible under their control to keep Suarez at Anfield for the next season. The 27-year-old signed a contract extension last December after admitting that he was happy at Liverpool.

The Express claims either Real or Barcelona can sign Suarez for £52m as his contract states that Liverpool should let the striker leave if there is an approach for the Spanish giants for his services.

Suarez is with the Uruguayan national team for the World Cup in Brazil. Earlier in May, the Reds man revealed there was no release clause in his contract.

"As far as I'm aware there is no clause that suggests a priority for any team. My head now is focused on the World Cup. Everyone knows there will be media speculation this summer as there always is but I have a contract with Liverpool," Suarez said, as quoted by the Express in May.

"I just turn the page. You know what the speculation is like and you try not to take any notice. I know what I want and it is more speculation than reality."