Rio Ferdinand: Liverpool should “demand” Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez in Luis Suarez deal

Rio Ferdinand has told Liverpool that they should demand Alexis Sanchez in any deal Barcelona might with to strike for Luis Suarez this summer, but has suggested they should look to offload the Uruguayan striker.

Liverpool are still reportedly keen on Suarez despite his latest biting scandal, with FIFA having banned the striker with four months from all footballing activity after he was proven guilty of sinking his teeth into the shoulder of Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Ferdinand has conceded that now would be perhaps the best opportunity for Liverpool to offload the troublesome striker, who is once again facing missing the start of the season through a suspension for biting an opponent, feeling that he is potentially costing the club money.

The former Manchester United defender has however suggested that Liverpool should look to make the most of the sale of their prized asset by getting a perfect replacement for him in return, feeling the Reds should target Chilean star Sanchez as part of the deal.

Ferdinand told the Daily Mail, “If I were the chief executive or the money man at Liverpool, I’d have him up for sale already.

“The issue is one of risk and what might happen in the future given the pattern of behaviour. Keeping Suarez may potentially cost Liverpool tens of millions of pounds. Perhaps £70million of more.

“How so? If he went somewhere else this summer – Spain, I guess, with Barcelona and Real Madrid showing recent interest and having the money – Liverpool cash in on their biggest asset.

“Yes, it will be a tough ask to replace such quality, but if all the proceeds and more were re-invested in a proven striker, it might make sense.

“If Liverpool don’t sell him and he bites someone after his ban ends, he could be thrown out for years. The solution to the Suarez situation could be that if Barca do want him, I’d demand Alexis Sanchez in a swap deal.”