Kop fear an exodus

Reds to offer Suarez huge pay rise to prevent players from leaving

LONDON: Liverpool are ready to hand Luis Suarez (pic) a whopping 25% pay rise to prevent him leading an exodus of star players.

Striker Suarez was invited to open talks on a new deal that will see his wages leap from just over £80,000 a week to around £100,000.

And central defenders Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have also been offered new contracts that will earn them a big hike from their current £65,000-a-week deals.

Liverpool officials are desperate to keep their top players and know Kenny Dalglish’s sacking is bound to cause dressing-room unrest.

Director of football Damien Comolli and head of communications Ian Cotton have also been axed in the past six weeks.

But Anfield managing director Ian Ayre dismissed suggestions some stars might want out, saying: “I spoke to all our senior players yesterday and I don’t think it will happen.

“Of course, Kenny is an important part of the fabric of the club and always will be.

“There isn’t anyone who won’t be disappointed with the decision but the players are respectful. “There are no plans to fire anyone else. “It was just part of a process. It is all part of wanting to get it right.”

Anfield chiefs are now searching for Dalglish’s successor. But Swansea chief Brendan Rodgers has handed Liverpool a massive snub by turning down the chance to talk to them. — The Sun, London