Liverpool battle for 20 million Luis Suarez

Liverpool have been told exactly how much it will take for them to land Ajax striker Luis Suarez.

The Ajax star is said to have told his agent to sound out potential suitors over a move in January - with Liverpool and Tottenham apparently registering their interest - after the departure of Martin Jol from the Amsterdam Arena compounded his current misery.

The Dutch giants have been in inconsistent form of late and - with Suarez currently serving a seven-match ban for biting an opponent - a number of Europe's top clubs have been alerted to his potential availability.

The 23-year-old is thought to be valued at around €27 million but - with Ajax deep in the financial mire - the Dutch club are expected to settle for a reduced sum.

Tuttomercato reported last month that Liverpool had 'made an offer' for Suarez and now.

However - despite reports that he would prefer a move to Anfield - Liverpool will have to fight tooth and nail with Tottenham for his signature.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is said to have identified Suarez as the man to take the north Londoners to the next level and chairman Daniel Levy has been tasked with out-bidding Liverpool for his services.

"Harry wants someone who can play up front alone and now thinks Suarez can do it," a Tottenham source told Goal.com.

"He is really quick, can score goals, hold the ball up, work hard, be busy and link up and play one-twos with [Rafael] Van der Vaart, [Luka] Modric and [Gareth] Bale. He is very aggressive and similar in many ways to Tevez."

Like Spurs, Liverpool are known to have identified the reinforcement of their strike force as the no.1 priority in the transfer window in order to take the goalscoring burden away from Fernando Torres.

Liverpool have looked woefully short of a potent threat in front of goal at times this season and Suarez would certainly provide them with an exciting option.

The Uruguay international has scored 110 goals in 154 games for his current employers and would no doubt relish the chance to replicate his sensational form with either Liverpool or Spurs.

Liverpool have also been linked with transfer window moves for West Ham hitman Carlton Cole and FC Utrecht sensation Ricky van Wolfswinkel in what is already proving to be a dramatic January at Anfield.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.