Bargain? Mascherano (left) could fetch just £12m
plus Hleb (right) from Barca
Barcelona are closing in on a deal for Javier Mascherano
that would see Alexander Hleb move in the opposite direction
to
Liverpool.
Sources in Argentina claim an agreement between all parties has
been all but agreed for a player who is desperate to leave Anfield
for a new challenge abroad.
Trusted Argentine paper Ole says Mascherano will move for just
£12million plus 29-year-old Hleb, who has failed to break into
Barca's star-studded team since moving from
Arsenal two years ago.
Wants out: Javier Mascherano told new Liverpool
boss Roy Hodgson of his intentions to leave Anfield after the
midfielder's return from the World Cup
On his return from the World Cup, Mascherano told new
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson that he wanted to leave.
Former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez wanted to take him to Inter
Milan, but the European champions have balked at the asking price
and indicated they would could not launch a move unless Maicon left
for Real Madrid.
The Italians may, however, make a move once Mario Balotelli's
move to Manchester City is concluded.
Barcelona have reignited interest they first showed last summer
and see Mascherano as the ideal replacement for Yaya Toure, who
joined Manchester City for £24m.
An agent purporting to represent Mascherano in Spain admitted
this week that the player was desperate to move to the Nou Camp and
Barca boss Pep Guardiola has apparently approved the deal after
talking to Lionel Messi about the Argentina captain.
Liverpool are prepared to sell for the right price, with boss
Roy Hodgson already bringing in Christian Poulsen from Liverpool as
a ready-made replacement.