Thursday 3 July 2014 17:15, UK
Liverpool and Barcelona have held "productive talks" over the potential transfer of Luis Suarez, according to Sky sources.
Anfield managing director Ian Ayre met officials from Barcelona in London on Wednesday, with a Liverpool source confirming later that "the talks held today were productive, there are sensible expectations on both sides.
"Further talks and discussions are to take place, but nothing is finalised as of now."
Sky Sports News reporter Vinny O'Connor also confirmed that the future of Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez was on the agenda, although it remains unclear whether the Chilean would be a separate deal or used as a makeweight for Suarez, with a number of other options also available to the player.
Suarez is currently serving a four-month ban for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
Following the 27-year-old's apology - which Barca reportedly had a major influence in procuring - the Primera Liga side have stepped up their pursuit.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu would not be drawn on the talks.
But he did he made a point of commending Suarez for apologising and confirmed they are in the market for a striker, as well as two new centre-backs.
He has been humble enough to apologise to those he has affected, because it happened in the middle of a festival of football. In this case it's the best thing a person can do.
"I announced months ago that the team would undergo a deep renovation but we cannot reveal details because we don't want to give clues away to any of our rivals," Bartomeu said.
"Our representatives are constantly travelling to other countries because of potential signings.
"We have the names and the players, but sometimes there are clubs who speculate over possible signings by Barca to manipulate the price.
"All I can say is that they are names that have been agreed with (new coach) Luis Enrique and they excite us.
"For example, (sporting director Andoni) Zubizarreta already has the names of the centre backs although they are not signed yet as there are clubs who think their value will go up after the World Cup."
Asked about Suarez, Bartomeu said: "Suarez is a Liverpool player so I can't talk about him, he belongs to another team, a rival team. But we are all football men, and saying sorry is honourable, it helps the competition.
"He did something that wasn't right, so it's the responsibility of everyone in football, be it Liverpool or anywhere else, to remember that he has said sorry. Admitting you have done something wrong is very important.
"Luis has apologised and that is honourable, he's taken a step towards rehabilitating, the football world should support him and help him. As a football fan I hope he can turn a corner."
Sky Sports' Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague believes Suarez had to apologise in order to secure his dream move to Barcelona.
"Barcelona wanted Luis Suarez to apologise," he said. "It is also part of an appeal that will surely reduce his ban.
"I realise many people feel cheated as he has apologised before. Biting shouldn't be done but can be corrected and Chiellini has accepted the apology, so who are we not to do the same?"
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