Chelsea eye Liverpool duo Benayoun and Mascherano

Poignant SG

Liverpool are ready to sell midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Daily Star Sunday says the Reds will cash in on Mascherano after the World Cup and could spend a chunk of the £30million windfall on paying off Rafa Benitez.

They’ve hesitated at taking the axe to Benitez because they would have to hand over a £16m cheque for his remaining four-year deal.

But it’s now felt that the golden handshake could be financed by Mascherano’s sale, with Barcelona still an option.

Mascherano believed he was joining Barca last summer and put his early season slump down to the disappointment at not packing his bags for the Nou Camp.

Poignant SG

Chelsea are interested in Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The People says Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti wants Liverpool star Javier Mascherano to be his new midfield general – and is ready to open the bidding at £20million.

Ancelotti has been told he is clear to sign three or four new faces for his squad and he sees the Kop’s Argentinian ace as the ideal anchor man.

Ancelotti was dreaming of Mascherano signing when he first arrived but since then the futures of the two clubs have changed to give him genuine hope of success.

Y_Shun SG

3/4 new faces? wtf?

dragg SG

come on RA spend, spend, spend!!!

zocoss SG

Chelsea targets: Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun could join the Premier League champions

Chelsea are weighing up a double move for Liverpool's Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun.

The Double winners realise Liverpool are vulnerable to offers and have earmarked the duo to reinforce their ageing squad with Michael Ballack and Joe Cole expected to leave.

Liverpool do not want to sell to Chelsea but if the financial offer is bold enough they may have little choice with Rafa Benitez's budget almost non-existent.

Mascherano has shelved talks on a new contract while Benayoun is hoping to discuss a move to Stamford Bridge for around £6m this week.

Benayoun, 30, said: 'Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool. Chelsea will have to pay some £6m but I believe that in the end I'll be moving there.'