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Liverpool FC will hold talks with Barcelona on Wednesday after the Spanish giants finally made an approach to sign Luis Suarez.

The ECHO understands that Reds chief executive Ian Ayre has agreed to meet a delegation from Barcelona in London.

It will mark the start of negotiations between the clubs over a potential deal for the Uruguayan striker.

Ayre will also take the opportunity to step up Liverpool's pursuit of Barca attacker Alexis Sanchez.

Boss Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer of the Chile international, who is valued at around £30million.

Ayre will spell out to the Catalans that there is no chance of Suarez being allowed to leave on the cheap – despite his four-month ban from all football for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The Reds' owners remain adamant they don't want to sell and a transfer will only be sanctioned if Barcelona meet the valuation in the release clause of the lucrative new contract Suarez penned last December. That figure is believed to be between £70million and £80million.

Sanchez could become a vital makeweight in the transfer if Barcelona agree to let him move in the opposite direction.

The 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from the likes of Juventus and Arsenal, lit up the World Cup in Brazil prior to Chile's agonising exit on penalties to the hosts.

Barcelona's long awaited move for Suarez came after weeks of speculation with reports in Spain suggesting they have already agreed personal terms with the striker.

Liverpool were braced for an approach following Suarez's public apology for the bite on Monday – something Barcelona had demanded from the player's advisers prior to them trying to secure his services.

Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta spoke of his admiration for Suarez at the Nou Camp following the unveiling of Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla.

“Suarez has shown he is humble enough to admit an error, which is very important,” he said.

“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.

“Everyone knows that Luis is an excellent player. Everyone knows last season he played in various positions in attack, but everyone also knows that he is a Liverpool player.”

Croatia midfielder Rakitic added: “The fact he has had the character and the strength to go in front of everyone and say sorry says a lot about him as a person.

“I rarely say that I am wrong so this says a lot about him, he has shown the character and strength he has so he should be commended for that.

“Regardless of whether the club signs him or not, his quality is unquestionable. He has shown a lot of quality with Uruguay and scored more than 30 goals (last season) with Liverpool, so he has the necessary quality to play for Barca.”

Zubizarreta did little to quell talk about the Catalans agreeing to sell Sanchez as he added: “Regarding Alexis, there have been offers. We will try and find a solution best for everyone.”

More Liverpool FC news:

Barcelona chief Andoni Zubizarreta praises Luis Suarez for bite apology

Lallana says move to Liverpool is a “huge step” in his career

Suarez has the "necessary quality" to play for us, says Barca new boy Ivan Rakitic

In a pickle? Try the Luis Suarez apology generator