Report: Barcelona make £70m opening bid for Luis Suarez

Barcelona have reportedly opened the bidding process for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with an offer of £70m.

According to The Guardian, the fee reportedly offered by Barcelona is short of Liverpool's £80m evaluation of the Uruguayan striker with no Alexis Sanchez included in the deal.

Sanchez is reportedly still yet to declare an interest in the move, meaning that the Suarez deal will remain unfinished until the Chilean striker decides on his own future.

Suarez will still serve his ban even if he completes a move away from Merseyside, which will see him miss at least the first eight games of the season.

Barcelona have already confirmed the signing of Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic and will be looking to strengthen their squad over the summer.