Ajax set deadline in Suarez hunt

Liverpool have been told by Ajax they have until Saturday to finalise a deal for Uruguay striker Luis Suarez.

Negotiations between the two clubs over Suarez stalled earlier this week with no agreement reached on the valuation of the player.

Ajax have slapped a £25m price tag on the 24-year-old, almost twice the opening bid of Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli when he travelled to Amsterdam on Monday.

It is believed the Anfield outfit are prepared to go up to £20m for Suarez but, despite the backing of new owners Fenway Sports Group, are unwilling to pay over the odds for the player.

Suarez has told his team-mates he wants to move to England but Ajax coach Frank de Boer has reiterated the club's stance they don't want the saga continuing up until Monday's transfer deadline.

"Liverpool know what they've to pay and we are sticking to our guns," said de Boer.

"We don't want to lose him. We want to know by 29 January, after that nothing more will happen."

Earlier this week an Ajax spokesman said that Liverpool's bid for Suarez was too low compared to the reported £27m Manchester City paid for Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko earlier this month.

"Luis is our top goalscorer for the last three years and also the man with by far the most assists as well," he said.

"He was one of the big guys for Uruguay in helping them come third in the World Cup in the summer and he still has a contract with us for two-and-a-half years."

Liverpool are also refusing to be bullied by Blackpool over Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam, although a compromise fee of £7.5m could be reached.

Forward Milan Jovanovic hopes the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager will give him another chance to launch his Liverpool career.

The Serbia international signed on a free transfer in the summer but has failed to impress, scoring twice in 17 appearances.

"I am sure the new manager coming in has given everyone a lift, those who are playing and those who aren't," he said.

"I think the second half of the season can be much better. It hasn't been good enough so far but I am strong and I keep working hard."

Source: Daily Post

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