Reds still pursuing Suarez

Liverpool's efforts to land Ajax striker Luis Suarez were pressing ahead today as uncertainty over the position of Ryan Babel continues.

The Reds are keen to acquire the services of the Urug-uayan during this month's transfer window to give much-needed support to Fernando Torres.

Owner John Henry dined with the player's agent earlier this week at a London restaurant to try and thrash out a deal.

Suarez, who scored three goals in last summer's World Cup which helped propel the South Americans to the semi-final, is keen to come to Anfield to link up with the Spanish stars in the Liverpool dressing room.

Ajax have slapped a eye-opening £27m valu-ation on their forward, but a fee of £15m could persuade them to do business.

Winger Ryan Babel could yet be a significant factor in any Suarez transaction after he told a Dutch newspaper of his desire to return to the Eredivisie.

The 24-year-old is known to favour a move, potentially even a loan arrangement, back to Ajax, the club he left for Liverpool in 2007 for a fee in excess of £10m.

Babel looked set to be on his way to German side Hoffenheim earlier this week after Liverpool agreed a £5.8m fee with the Bundesliga club.

But with personal terms still to be agreed, and the winger's overriding wish to go back to Holland, that transaction could yet stall.

Publicly, Liverpool are giving little away about their pursuit of Suarez, and Ajax manager Frank de Boer has said only an 'absurd' offer would see the striker head to Merseyside.

A game of brinkmanship is now underway and Babel will hope he becomes a make weight in a deal between his employers and the Dutch side.

The Reds' scouting team have watched Suarez repeatedly and they think he could be the perfect foil for a frustrated Torres.

Liverpool have been quiet so far in this month's transfer window, but Fenway Sports Group are understood to be keen to give new manager Dalglish some financial backing before the deadline.

Tottenham are also thought to be keen on Suarez, but Liverpool appears to be his most likely destination after John Henry reportedly met with the player's agent over dinner - Pere Guardiola - earlier this week.

Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/01/20/liverpool-fc-still-pursuing-luis-suarez-deal-while-ryan-babel-move-still-balance-100252-28019879/

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