Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton has claimed that Luis Suarez could want to leave the club following his 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

The striker was punished by the Football Association on Wednesday for the incident, which took place during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

Houghton now believes that the latest sanction, combined with the Uruguayan's previous eight-game suspension for racially abusing Patrice Evra, could see Suarez want a move away from Anfield.

"If the ban is upheld that will mean that two bans has cost him 18 games – almost half a season," Goal.com quotes Houghton as saying.

"I wouldn't be surprised if his advisers are telling him that it is time to cut his losses and move on."

Suarez has until midday on Friday to appeal the FA's decision.