Luis Suarez's Liverpool message, Man Utd transfer clause and exit tears

Luis Suarez is a free agent this summer as his contract with Atletico Madrid nears expiration - and he doesn't intend on hanging up his boot just yet.

The Uruguayan could find himself back in the Premier League with reports Aston Villa are set to target the striker. Boss Steven Gerrard is keen on a reunion with his former teammate, but there is also interest from across the pond in the MLS.

Naturally, Suarez has also been linked with a return to Liverpool but it would be a long shot for the former Barcelona man to play in front of the Kop once again.

Here we look at the current state of play concerning all things Suarez.

Liverpool affection runs deep

Suarez is unlikely to reunite with Liverpool but that's not to say he doesn't still hold his former club in high regard. The forward took to social media to congratulate the Reds on their FA Cup triumph as they dispatched Chelsea on penalties this weekend.

The Reds defeated Chelsea after 120 goalless minutes at Wembley. Alisson and Kostas Tsimikas were the heroes for Liverpool as the former denied Mason Mount from 12 yards before the latter struck the winning spot-kick.

Suarez was in awe of the Reds' performance as he posted an Instagram story to his 43million-plus followers. He wrote: "Congratulations to @LiverpoolFC for winning the FA Cup! YNWA."

Suarez in tears

Suarez bid an emotional farewell to Atletico Madrid on Sunday following a 1-1 draw with Sevilla, as he left the pitch in tears.

The 35-year-old will leave this summer after two years at the Wanda Metropolitano delivering a historic title win last season. Suarez was substituted in the 64th minute and applauded the Atletico fans as he walked off but broke down in tears.

His emotions poured out of him on the bench as he covered his face with a shirt.

Atletico fans paid tribute to the veteran forward, unveiling a banner that read: "Thank you Lucho for making us champions."

Where will he end up?

Liverpool is an unlikely destination, but a handful of Suarez's other former clubs are in the frame to sign him now he is out of contract.

Xavi may be willing to bring him back to Barcelona as the player is reportedly open to taking a significant pay cut from his £160,000 a week salary, which could make the deal feasible.

Suarez could also reunite with Ajax after leaving the Dutch champions in 2011 to join Liverpool, while Aston Villa has emerged as a surprise move as ex-teammate Gerrard looks to link up with his old pal once again.

The MLS seems the most realistic landing spot, however, with strong interest Stateside from multiple clubs, including David Beckham's Inter Miami.

Suarez will have the freedom to go where he wants, unlike when he left Barcelona where he had a clause written into his contract that prevented him from signing for Manchester United, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and, of course, Real Madrid on a free transfer.