The Anfield club are close to tying up a big money deal for Armenia international Mkhitaryan, despite his Ukrainian club Shaktar Donetsk's high asking price.
Manager Brendan Rodgers will complete the deal for the attacking midfielder he has targeted for months with the blessing of his American owners, regardless of the uncertainty over the Suarez's future.
Mkhitaryan is not seen as a direct replacement for Uruguay striker Suarez, and was identified as the main summer signing long before Real Madrid came calling with an offer that has turned Suarez’s head.
Rodgers wants a midfielder who can knit together his side’s creative play while also providing a goal threat from behind the front line.
The Armenian fits the bill after attracting the attention of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona, Juventus and Atletico Madrid with his 25 goals from midfield this season.
The 24-year-old, who has just set a Ukrainian Premier League record for most goals in a season, signed with Italian super-agent Mino Raiola in May to facilitate his move to a top European club.
Rodgers has stolen a march on his rivals for the player’s signature after sending his scouting team out to watch the midfielder a dozen times in the 2012-13 season.
That is why he is prepared to commit a sizeable part of his summer budget to the capture.
The deal will not depend on securing funds from the sale of Suarez, even though the striker looks certain to leave for around £40m after forcing Liverpool’s hand by admitting he's in the mood for a fresh start away from English football.
The Reds' boss has been guaranteed at least £35m to spend in this summer's transfer window, even before the sale of Suarez.
Striker Andy Carroll is set to confirm his £15m departure to West Ham later this week, and £10m-rated defender Martin Skrtel a contender to follow amid links with ex-Kop boss Rafa Benitez's Napoli.
If Real Madrid follow up their interest in Suarez with a firm offer, then he will insist on exercising a get-out clause in his contract to force the issue.
Rodgers will then look to buy another striker - especially with Daniel Sturridge ruled out for the start of the season after suffering an ankle injury on international duty with England.
Rodgers has already agreed in principle a £7million deal for Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, but he will also search for a bigger name to cover the departure of Suarez.
Christian Benteke, whose 19 league goals in his first season with Aston Villa included two against Liverpool at Anfield in December, is on his list of targets.
Source: Mirror
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