Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre confirmed on Thursday that the club plans to offer a new contract to controversial striker Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan forward was handed a hefty ban after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra and on Wednesday night made his first appearance after serving a 10-match suspension for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

Nonetheless Ayre, who said that Suarez’s actions had damaged the club’s “brand,” defended the player and revealed that the club wish to extend his current deal.