Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has warned Liverpool that they will withdraw their interest in Javier Mascherano unless the club lowers its asking price.
Former Reds manager Rafael Benitez is keen to see the 26-year-old link up with him at the European champions but has been forced to look elsewhere due to Liverpool's valuation of the midfielder exceeding their own.
Moratti has revealed that a move for Mascherano is now 'unlikely' and that plans are afoot to recruit Juventus playmaker Felipe Melo as an alternative to the Argentina captain.
He said: "Mascherano is strong, but it is unlikely that he will come.
"He costs too much and it's not even a given that Liverpool will sell him. Felipe Melo? It's an intriguing idea which we are working on."
Mascherano had revealed last week that he was learning Italian in anticipation of a move away from Anfield but the Nerazzurri's waning interest now sees Spanish giants Barcelona running unopposed for the former West Ham United man's services.
Profits from the £28million deal that will take Yaya Touré to Manchester City have been sanctioned for Mascherano's impending move to the Nou Camp, having been denied a switch to La Liga last summer by Benitez, who valued him at £50million.
Former Reds manager Rafael Benitez is keen to see the 26-year-old link up with him at the European champions but has been forced to look elsewhere due to Liverpool's valuation of the midfielder exceeding their own.
Moratti has revealed that a move for Mascherano is now 'unlikely' and that plans are afoot to recruit Juventus playmaker Felipe Melo as an alternative to the Argentina captain.
He said: "Mascherano is strong, but it is unlikely that he will come.
"He costs too much and it's not even a given that Liverpool will sell him. Felipe Melo? It's an intriguing idea which we are working on."
Mascherano had revealed last week that he was learning Italian in anticipation of a move away from Anfield but the Nerazzurri's waning interest now sees Spanish giants Barcelona running unopposed for the former West Ham United man's services.
Profits from the £28million deal that will take Yaya Touré to Manchester City have been sanctioned for Mascherano's impending move to the Nou Camp, having been denied a switch to La Liga last summer by Benitez, who valued him at £50million.
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