Barcelona president praises Luis Suarez over bite apology

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has fuelled speculation that Liverpool's Luis Suarez is on the verge of signing for the club by publicly praising the striker.

The Barca executive hailed the Uruguay international over his efforts to apologise to Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini after biting the player during the World Cup.

"Apologising has been to his credit because when you make a mistake you should apologise," he said. "It is good what he has done, because it helps football.

"It is the responsibility of all of us that Luis Suarez, at Liverpool or wherever he wants to be, continues his career. To admit errors is an important step."

Bartomeu's comments follow reports that Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has held "productive" talks with Barca representatives over the potential sale of Suarez to the La Liga club.

Suarez must serve a four-month ban from all football-related activities as a result of the Chiellini incident, regardless of where he plays his football next season.