Big guns: Arfa could be heading
for Liverpool
Liverpool are
ready to pounce for Marseille star Hatem Ben Arfa if Javier
Mascherano clinches a move to Barcelona.
Classy Ben Arfa, who can play centrally or on the left wing, is
not a direct replacement for Anfield's Argentine rebel, but the
sale of Mascherano would free up funds to swoop for the
£6.5million-rated France international.
Roy Hodgson has already signed Denmark international Christian
Poulsen from Juventus to toughen up his midfield and is also
considering a cheap move for Real Madrid's tough-tackling Mahamadou
Diarra.
But Ben Arfa would add more creative quality. Werder
Bremen have agreed a fee with Marseille, but the 23-year-old would
prefer to play in the Barclays Premier League and went on strike
when a loan move to Newcastle
United was blocked earlier this month.
The Geordies appear to be out of the running, but sources in
France insist Ben Arfa was on Merseyside for talks on Tuesday.
'I want to play in the Premier League because my time in the
French League has passed,' he said.
Wantaway: Liverpool rebel Mascherano sits out last
week's match against Trabzonspor
Manchester
United and Everton have previously shown interest and his agent has
contacted several clubs in England, but Liverpool appear to be
favourites for his signature.
Mascherano is desperate to quit Anfield, but Barcelona's first
bid of about £12m and former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb was
rejected.
Hodgson is not keen on Hleb - at least not at Barca's £4.5m
valuation - and Liverpool want a straight £18m cash deal.
Reports in Catalonia say the champions of Spain are now prepared
to pay close to that, but only if about £4m is in add-ons.
Liverpool also want to add a new striker.
