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Liverpool FC have warned Luis Suarez they have no intention of granting him a quick exit from Anfield this summer.

The Reds are refusing to admit defeat in their battle to keep the prolific striker, who has his sights set on forcing through a move to Real Madrid.

The ECHO understands that reports in Spain that Suarez has a £40million buy-out clause in his contract are incorrect.

Liverpool remain determined to keep the Uruguayan and even if Suarez submitted a transfer request it would take a bid well in excess of that figure for the Reds to consider selling their 30-goal top scorer.

Club officials have rubbished Suarez's claims in South America that he has already told Liverpool he wants to leave.

In a statement the Reds, who have had no approach from Real Madrid, made it clear they intend to hold on to the club's most valuable asset.

“Luis Suarez is not for sale,” it read.

“Neither Luis nor his representatives have communicated their feelings to Liverpool Football Club.

“The club remains supportive of Luis and expect him to honour his contract. We will not be making any further comment at this stage.”

Liverpool broke their silence after Suarez's latest interview in Uruguay where he is preparing for next Wednesday's friendly against France.

The 26-year-old, who is currently serving a 10-game domestic ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, once again bemoaned his treatment at the hands of the English media and said he was disillusioned with life on Merseyside as his family were “suffering”.

Suarez denied that his desire to move to Spain was motivated by money but rather an ambition to play in La Liga.

“My coach (Brendan Rodgers) and my colleagues know what I went through,” Suarez said.

“I was mistreated, the media didn't treat me well. They know that perfectly, and I think it'll be understandable if one day I get to leave Liverpool.

“Because of the paparazzi I couldn't take my child to the park, I could not go to the supermarket.

“I have a daughter to look after, she's important and I think I should put her out of that environment.

“Every day there are pictures mocking me, nobody came forward to defend me. I do not want her to hear bad things about her father.

“I'd rather change because of that, it doesn't have anything to do with Liverpool. I'd love to play in another league too.

“My reason for leaving is not the money. If it was down to economics I would have already left for the countries that have been mentioned.

“I am prioritising my family, my image. I don’t feel comfortable any more. The club knows perfectly what I think.

“I have a contract with Liverpool but they know it's difficult because of the harassment I receive from the press there.”

Suarez's words contradicted those of his agent Pere Guardiola who had told Liverpool 24 hours earlier that the player remained happy at Anfield.

Boss Brendan Rodgers feared Suarez would turn his back on English football after he was hit with the 10-game ban for biting in April but retained hope that the club's support over the controversy would convince him to stay loyal.

Suarez's comments in South America this week have come as a surprise to both Rodgers and managing director Ian Ayre as he had not informed either of them of his desire to leave.

Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid are preparing a £40million bid as they look to make Suarez their marquee summer signing.

However, they may need to offer in excess of the club record £50million Liverpool received from Chelsea for Fernando Torres in 2011 in order to get their man.



What is clear is that Liverpool won't give up on keeping Suarez without a fight as they know a player of his talent would be difficult to replace regardless of the fee they receive.



However, they are also desperate to ensure this doesn't drag on into a summer-long saga.