Rafa lines up Suarez

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is continuing to monitor the form of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez in regards to a January move.

The Ajax star has been in superb form in Holland with reports from the Dutch press suggesting that once funds have been raised by the sale of Andrea Dossena and Andriy Voronin we will see the creative star move to Anfield.

Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past three and a bit seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. Last season was his best tally so far after scoring 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts). Eight of those 22 goals came via the penalty spot as Suarez finished joint 2nd in the Dutch scoring charts. Despite the Uruguayan's best efforts, Ajax finished 12 points behind champions AZ and one point behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Ajax's failure to qualify led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He told Sportsweek in the summer, "It would definitely be useful for Ajax to sign some quality players. It's up to the coach to decide on which position we need to strengthen the squad. However, we could use some physically strong players in my opinion."

"I'm extremely disappointed that we failed to qualify for the Champions League once again. I need to play at top level in order to keep improving as a player.

"Nevertheless, missing out on Champions League football is not just bad for me, but also disastrous for the club. Ajax have to wait yet another year to play at the highest level."

Liverpool were one of the clubs who were interested in providing the Uruguayan with the 'highest level' of football required as Rafa Benitez is a keen admirer. The player's versatility also interested the Spaniard who was and still is looking to strengthen his squad significantly. However, Barcelona and Manchester United are also reported to be keen and no wonder as Suarez has started the season under new manager Martin Jol incredibly.

Ajax are currently third in the Dutch top division, nine points behind leaders FC Twente but there's no disputing who is top of the scoring charts. Suarez has scored 18 goals in just 17 league appearances, five goals ahead of his nearest competitor. Only four of the 18 strikes have arrived via the penalty spot. Not only has Suarez been his sensational form domestically but also in Europe and for his country. The Uruguayan has scored 6 goals in the Europa League with four coming in one match v Slovan Bratislava. He has also scored in two of his last five international appearances.

The 22-year-old began his career in his homeland with club Nacional where he won a Uruguayan title before moving to Groningen in the summer of 2006 for €800,000. In his only season for the club he scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances (26 starts) before Ajax made their move for a fee of €9.5M. He has been monitored by Rafa Benitez for a number of seasons but he has really caught his attention since he moved to Amsterdam.

Suarez has been a big hit since his move to Amsterdam after scoring 57 goals in just 81 league appearances (76 starts). His present contract expires in 2012 but with Liverpool, Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona still interested this may well be his last season in Holland. That is if he does not secure a move to Anfield in January. The deal depends on Liverpool's ability to raise funds with Napoli eyeing Dossena, Birmingham chasing Babel and a number of Ukrainian sides chasing Voronin.

The Uruguayan with 9 goals in 28 appearances for his country does have a reputation for ill-discipline which is perfectly illustrated by the 25 yellow cards he has received in 3 and a half seasons in Holland. He was also sent-off on his international debut against Colombia in February 2007. However, for what he lacks in discipline, he certainly makes up for in talent. Not only does he score goals but he is also very creative and Liverpool fans will be rueing the fact they missed out on him in the summer. However, the press claim if a deal can be done that could change in January. Quotes from Ajax certainly back these reports up.

"It's up to the technical staff to decide whether Luis will be allowed to leave the club. Nevertheless, we're ready to talk about a transfer if an extremely good offer comes in," club director Rik van den Boog was quoted as saying in Algemeen Dagblad.

"We still expect Luis to stay in Amsterdam until the end of the running season, but we are ready to listen to other clubs if a transfer is in the club's or the player's best interest."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily reflect the position of Liverpool Football Club.