By Paul Collins
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Liverpool are braced for Real Madrid to return with a 45million bid for star striker Luis Suarez in January.
The Uruguay forward was desperate for a move to the La Liga giants in the summer but it did not materialise, thanks to Madrid's capture of Gareth Bale.
After forking out 86m for the Welshman they did not want to pay Liverpool's asking price of 55m for Suarez.
Hitman: Luis Suarez is back in action and scored twice on his return to Liverpool duty at Sunderland
Haven't written him off: Real might be back in for Suarez in the summer
Deadly duo: Daniel Sturridge and Suarez could prove to be a potent partnership
Liverpool would still demand the same fee in January and any potential transfer would depend on how the sides are performing by December.
Madrid may decide they do not need the striker if their form improves, while if Liverpool are still in a position to contend for the title, they will be more reluctant to sell Suarez.
The player is still keen on the idea of moving to Madrid - and his agent Pere Guardiola is also happy for him to do so.
Eye for goal: Suarez struck twice on his return to the Liverpool first team
Pleased: Rodgers was delighted with Suarez's return to action
If any potential transfer looks like happening, Arsenal may try and intervene - although Liverpool are not keen on selling to a domestic rival.
Arsene Wenger wanted to secure the striker's services in the summer but could not, instead splashing 42.5m on Mesut Ozil.
Suarez returned to action against Sunderland at the weekend after his 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic, scoring twice as Liverpool won 3-1.
On the ball: Arsenal signed Mesut Ozil this summer but could return for Luis Suarez in January
Meanwhile, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard says he was delighted that Suarez stayed at the club in the summer, and hailed his attitude.
'When you have a player as good as Luis Suarez, you know that the big clubs are going to want him,' said Gerrard, as reported by Sky Sports.
'I was waking up every morning, hoping that nothing would happen and that he would still be here.
'Nobody tried harder than me to make him stay and he knows exactly what I think of him. I knew if we could keep him here, the better our chances would be.
'He is a special type of footballer and he gives us something different. When the club got the message to him that they were not going to sell him, he got his head down and has worked hard.'
Support: Steven Gerrard (right) was delighted that Suarez stayed at Liverpool this summer
Main men: Gerrard and Suarez will be vital for Liverpool this season
Croatian_Sensation, croatia, Croatia, moments ago
Suarez Will make big mistake if takes offer from madrid,he should learn from other players mistakes !!! If he really want to go he should wait offer from Barca or Bayern,those clubs are well for his quality