Luis Suarez wanted out of Liverpool BEFORE his latest bite controversy at the World Cup

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Andrew Powell

Luis Suarez has had direct talks with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers since his expulsion from the World Cup.

The controversial Uruguay star, banned for four months by FIFA after the third biting scandal of his career, is now in Montevideo. Boss Rodgers assured Suarez he has his backing.

However, Anfield insiders have revealed the club were prepared for another summer of Suarez agitating for a move to La Liga – even before his World Cup exit last week.

The lengthy ban has not changed the view of Liverpool’s American owners, who say the 27-year-old will not be sold unless their £70million valuation is met.

Real Madrid and Barcelona believe the latest example of Suarez putting the bite on an opponent will save them £20million-plus because Liverpool have now become a selling club. But an Anfield insider said: “Anyone who thinks J W Henry will lose money on Suarez because of this episode is mistaken.

“After what happened last summer, there was a belief at the club that Suarez would be agitating for a move once again anyway.

“We still haven’t received official notification from FIFA about how they arrived at their decision to ban Suarez.

 “But whether the suspension stays in place or is lifted, he will not be leaving Liverpool until another club meets our valuation, which remains unchanged.”

Liverpool insist that they have had no contact with Real or Barcelona about Suarez. But chief executive Ian Ayre has been in regular contact with the player’s agent – Pere Guardiola. Those talks are sure to have included discussions about the future.

Suarez broke his silence on his ban yesterday, tweeting: “Hi all, I write this post to give thanks to the outpouring of support and love I am receiving. Myself and my family really appreciate it. Thank you very much for being by my side and I want all my colleagues today we support selection for the match against Colombia.”