Exclusive - Neil Mellor: Liverpool must finish in top six to keep Luis Suarez

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor believes the Reds must secure a top-six finish if they’re to keep Luis Suarez.

The Anfield based club are currently eighth in the Premier League table, three points off their Merseyside rivals Everton who sit in sixth place.

Suarez has been in superb form this season and has already notched 25 goals in his 37 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The Uruguayan has attracted the attentions of German giants Bayern Munich, who are expected to bid for the 26-year-old this summer when Pep Guardiola takes over the reins at the Allianz Area.

And ex-Anfield favourite Mellor believes Liverpool must do all they can to hold on to the former Ajax hitman.

“He’s one of the best players in Europe and those sort of people always get linked with moves,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast. “His agent is Pep Guardiola’s brother and that is probably having a bit of an effect on the press.

“Suarez has openly said he loves Liverpool. I think we will finish the season strongly and end up in the top six. That [a top six finish] is going to be crucial to tie him down for next season.”

Rodgers’ decision to bring in Daniel Sturridge in January is paying dividends as the former Chelsea man has already build a strong partnership with Suarez at Anfield.

And Mellor hopes that relationship continues to bear fruit.

“Luis Suarez has been fantastic,” he added. “There’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He’s done well to stay fit and he’s only been suspended for one game this season.

"Daniel Sturridge does something different. He occupies the two centre-halves and that frees up the attacking space for Suarez. Since Sturridge has been there, Suarez has thrived.”