Liverpool have rejected Arsenal's improved offer of just over £40m for Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. The BBC reports.

The unusual bid, understood to be £40,000,001, was designed to trigger a clause in the player's contract, but Liverpool have turned it down.

Under the terms of Suarez's deal, the club are duty bound to consider any offer for him in excess of £40m and then inform the 26-year-old of it.

But they do not have to sell and have now rejected two bids from Arsenal.

While Liverpool remain determined to hold on to Suarez, who scored 30 goals for the club in 44 appearances last season, their resolve is likely to be tested if the bidding continues to rise.

Should Arsenal persist and have an improved bid accepted, it could come close to trebling their previous highest initial outlay on a transfer.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers last week said he considered Suarez to be at least as valuable as Edinson Cavani.