By Dominic King
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Liverpool are braced for Real Madrid launching at last ditch attempt to sign Luis Suarez if Arsenal's pursuit of Karim Benzema is successful.
The Anfield club's position over Suarez's future has not changed. Having fended off Arsenal, they are adamant the striker will remain on Merseyside after the transfer window closes, with principal owner John W Henry "categorically" insisting Liverpool would not be prepared to do business.
Arsenal's interest in Benzema, however, has cast fresh doubt over the situation, as Madrid would then need a frontline striker to fill the gap and Suarez said earlier this summer that a move to the Spanish capital would be a dream.
VIDEO Scroll down Suarez scores belter against Japan
Stretching: Liverpool are worried Luis Suarez - training on Thursday - will make a late exit to Real Madrid
All smiles: Controversial Suarez has been linked with a move away from Anfield throughout the summer
Going back: Real Madrid will trump Arsenal, who made two unsuccessful bids for the striker
When asked about the possibility of Madrid and Suarez, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: 'I'm sure there will be plenty of activity in these last days (before the window closes). It is what it is. We will deal with it like we have during the summer.
'It's very difficult at this time. We are trying to get one or two more quality players in through the door. If we (were to) lose Luis at this stage... There might have been a point a few months ago where there was time to (replace him) but with 11 days to go it would be difficult.'
Struggle: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he is sure there will be activity before the end of the window
Not Red: Rodgers missed out on signing Willian for Liverpool, saying it was 'not a football' reason
Though Rodgers has brought in a new goalkeeper and bolstered his squad during this window, he has missed out on three players who would have been classed as marquee signings in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Diego Costa and Willian.
Liverpool's move for Willian fell down at the last moment when the club's owners refused to go past the value Anzhi Machachkala had placed on the winger and it is clear that a succession of big misses has left Rodgers increasingly frustrated.
'It wasn't a football (reason that Willian never signed) and I don't really want to go into it,' said Rodgers. 'The bottom line is he hasn't come here for whatever reason and we move on. We identify the targets and then try and get the deal done financially. That's how it was.
Real ambition: Madrid will go for Suarez if Arsenal complete a move for Karim Benzema
'The club has pushed financially as hard as they felt they could but it wasn't to be. It's the owners' money and they will always have the final say because it's they who run the club. What they have taken on here is a huge job.'
Rodgers added: 'You have seen over the few years they will finance a project we are trying to develop and what we have to make sure of is we get the right players and the value and worth of the player is right. It's disappointing because this was a player who would have been perfect for us.
'The biggest thing you need as a Liverpool manager is perseverance. We expect to be best we possibly be, but that means getting the best players. It's not just a player, but the right player. Where they can, the owners will finance that.'
On the ball: Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will go for Suarez to revamp his potent attack
liverpool should trade suarez with benzema. i mean if real madrid want to buy suarez, then they should offer cash+benzema. then both team will be satisfied.. both players are good striker.
- king_08 , singapore, Singapore, 24/8/2013 05:36
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