Liverpool and Barcelona have held "productive talks" over the potential transfer of striker Luis Suarez, and further discussions are planned. Reds chief executive Ian Ayre met officials from the Catalan club on Wednesday as the Primera Division side made their opening move in their bid to take the Uruguay international to the Nou Camp. Initial dialogue appears to have been positive and it is seen as a significant step forward, with another meeting scheduled to take place to continue the negotiations.
An Anfield source said "The talks were productive, with sensible expectations on both sides.
"Further talks and discussions will take place in due course. Nothing is finalised as of now."
Liverpool were adamant before negotiations began that they would not sell Suarez for less than the value of his confidential buy-out clause, believed to be anywhere between £70million and £80million. The club are confident after Wednesday's discussions that a deal can be done in line with their valuation. Barcelona have the option of offering Chile forward Alexis Sanchez as a makeweight in negotiations and it is understood at this stage negotiations are taking place considering both options: a straight money deal and also the option of a player-plus-cash alternative. The latter would seem more likely but that depends on Sanchez, with the suggestion in Spain he is not that keen at this point on a move to England.
