EXCLUSIVE: Exit clause keeps options open for Liverpool star Luis Suarez

Suarez put pen to paper on a new four-and-a-half year deal on Friday, to become the highest-paid player in the club’s history on around £180,000-a-week plus bonuses.

But the schemer, 26 – who scored twice yesterday against Cardiff to take his tally to 19 in 13 league games – demanded certain guarantees from the Reds’ top brass.

Chief among those was the right to negotiate an exit if either Real Madrid or Barcelona come in for him at the end of the season.

Suarez spent all of last summer agitating for a transfer and has not given up on his dream of one day playing for one of Spanish football’s top clubs.

It means that Liverpool could be faced with the same situation all over again next summer – with Real and Barca both weighing up a move.

Madrid have already contacted his agent to express an interest in the player, while any move by Barcelona depends on whether Tata Martino stays on as manager.

There is growing speculation in Spain that Martino will quit next summer and some sources claim Suarez is wanted by one of the men in line to replace him – Guus Hiddink.

Those close to Suarez admit he would find it almost impossible to leave should Liverpool win the title this season.

But it could be another story if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The Uruguayan’s time at Anfield has been controversial – with two lengthy bans.

He was suspended for eight games in December 2011 for racially abusing Patrice Evra and then banned for ten more this April, for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

But Liverpool made him captain in the absence of injured Stevie Gerrard.

Owner John Henry said: “Luis is a world-class talent and securing his services is crucial for what we are trying to achieve