Arsenal made a DIRECT BID for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez last week, it has been revealed. The Telegraph says Liverpool insist that the South American is not for sale, and the Arsenal valuation - believed to be less than the £35 million fee Merseyside club paid for Andy Carroll two years ago - has taken many by surprise.

Liverpool have been braced for such approaches since the end of last season, although it was expected that Real Madrid would lead the chase particularly given the player's claims of unhappiness in English football.

Arsenal felt suitably encouraged to contact Anfield officials to register their desire to buy the 26-year-old Uruguayan. It has now emerged that it went beyond an inquiry, and although neither club is prepared to comment on the discussions or clarify the precise amount offered it is clear it was unacceptable to Liverpool.