Luis Suarez lines up next club after parting ways with Atletico

Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is closing in on a move to River Plate, according to reports in Spain.

The 35-year-old’s contract at Atletico Madrid expires at the end of the month and is set to leave the club as a result.

And Mundo Deportivo claim Argentina will be the Uruguay international’s next destination, with the report claiming some sources have indicated the move could be announced as soon as Monday or Tuesday.

However, the report also adds that other sources claim River Plate are yet to receive an answer from Suarez – who joined Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi in Ibiza last week to celebrate the PSG star’s 35th birthday – as to whether he will join them.

And River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo appeared relaxed over the situation, hailing the Uruguayan as an ‘elite player’ who is still showing the ‘will and enthusiasm’ to continue his career.

‘There are possibilities,’ Gallardo said after River Plate’s 2-1 victory against Lanus on Sunday about the possibility of signing Suarez and Colombian striker Miguel Borja.

‘I think one of the two will clearly happen. But before that we have to be focused on what we have today.

‘If they are signed, it will be to enrich the squad and have another expectation.

‘[Suarez] is an elite player, who is currently recovering from a knee injury. We made the attempt, he has the will, enthusiasm, it’s good.

‘If he hadn’t shown enthusiasm, we wouldn’t be here waiting. It will be a decision and when it is possible we will see if it is feasible. You don’t have to lie to people or generate a lot of enthusiasm.’

Suarez has been courted by a number of clubs after leaving Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, with Atalanta linked earlier this month along with Inter Miami, but held talks with River Plate in Paris.