LIVERPOOL PUT SUAREZ IN THE FIRING LINE AS GUNNERS STEADY THEIR AIM

LUIS SUAREZ will be thrown into action against Thailand in Bangkok tomorrow as Liverpool continue to play hardball over the striker’s future. Boss Brendan Rodgers has no intention of taking the Uruguayan out of the firing line — despite Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of last season’s 30-goal top scorer. Anfield managing director Ian Ayre, who instantly rejected the improved bid of £40million plus £1 for Suarez (right) on Tuesday, has reaffirmed the club’s determination to keep hold of the player. Liverpool continue to insist that they will only allow Suarez to go for £55m. Arsenal, on the other hand, believe that their offer triggers a release clause in Suarez’s contract. Manager Arsene Wenger admitted yesterday after a 2-1 win over Urawa Reds in Saitama that he does not expect a quick resolution and refused to bite on Rodgers’ assertion Liverpool were the bigger club. ‘Will we have signed anyone before next Saturday in time for the Emirates Cup? It looks very unlikely,’ said Wenger. ‘We are ready to do quick deals but all the transfers do not depend only on us. But we are prepared to wait. We are not close to signing Suarez or anybody else.’ Arsenal, who will pay Suarez up to £150,000 per week to join, are waiting for the South American to force a move away from Merseyside, possibly by putting in a written transfer request. They arrive back from the four-game tour of the Far East with a 100 per cent pre-season record, thanks to wins over an Indonesia XI, Vietnam XI, Nagoya Grampus and last night’s win, courtesy of goals from Lukas Podolski and Chuba Akpom. Suarez, meanwhile, remains a key part of Rodgers’ plans. The 26-year-old returned to action as a second-half substitute against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday and will be involved in tomorrow’s final tour game at the Rajamangala National Stadium. ‘Luis will play some part in the game,’ Rodgers confirmed. ‘He’s still getting his fitness up as he’s three weeks behind the other players but the thing about Luis is that he loves the game. He lives for the training and playing matches.’ Liverpool have drawn up contingency plans in case Arsenal return with a bid which matches their valuation. In the event of Suarez leaving, they would move swiftly for Valencia’s £26m-rated striker Roberto Soldado, who is also wanted by Tottenham. ‘The situation with Luis Suarez remains the same,’ Ayre said. ‘It has never been our intention to sell Luis.’ As he battles to hold on to Suarez, Rodgers is keen to add to his squad over the coming weeks with a left back and an attacker top of his wanted list. Rodgers had also planned to sign another established centre back but has had second thoughts following the form of Kolo Toure since his arrival on a free transfer from Manchester City. ‘Kolo has been terrific,’ said Rodgers. ‘Having seen him first hand since he joined the club, he will be very good for us this season.’