Luis Suarez
Reuters

Real Madrid are planning a January bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with his agent reaching a verbal agreement with Madrid last summer, according to ESPN.

The Uruguayan was the subject of a major transfer scramble last summer with Arsenal deeply interested in the player. The Gunners put in two bids for the player, with their final bid registering £40m plus £1. However, Liverpool were unwilling to sell to a direct rival and blocked all enquiries for the 26-year-old, in spite of the player stating that he wants to leave.

Brendan Rodgers, the man behind the decision, has been vindicated by the player's performance this season; he has already scored eight goals in the league.

However, should Madrid come calling it will be difficult to retain Suarez who, on current form, is among the top three centre forwards in the world. The Uruguayan has repeatedly expressed his desire to play for the La Liga giants and is likely to force a move if a sizeable bid comes in.

The Spanish giants were also interested last summer but with Gareth Bale's transfer dragging on, Madrid did not have time to negotiate and were also reportedly unwilling to spend £40m immediately after completing a £80m deal for Bale.

It will be a major setback for Liverpool who are looking to finish in the top four and Suarez's departure will make it quite difficult for Brendan Rodgers to accomplish the same. He has been their main goal scoring threat up front and has the ability to open up defences at will.

Suarez's performance has led the Reds to second in the table, two points behind Arsenal who may move back for the forward in January if they sniff an opportunity.

It will be a major coup for Madrid, who are currently third in the league and have shown an inability to find the net in recent times. The likes of Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata have not been at their best and Suarez's arrival will give them the extra bite up front which will help them overthrow Barcelona for the title.

Real Madrid