Ball Is In Hodgson's Court Over Mascherano

Barcelona are intensifying their efforts to land wantaway Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano following Inter's renewed interest and confirmed bidding for the 26-year-old. Reports say that Barca vice president Josep Maria Bertomeu has travelled to Merseyside to finalise a deal for the Argentina captain, who is understood to favour a switch to Camp Nou over renewed acquaintances with former coach Rafa Benitez.
Buoyed by a likely infusion of cash from the imminent departure of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Milan, the Blaugrana are keen to move swiftly to secure the services of Mascherano, who was once again omitted from the Liverpool squad for the Europa League win away to Turkish side Trabzonspor.With just four days remaining in the transfer window, the Reds' chances of closing a deal that matches their valuation for the defensive midfielder are looking more favourable, with two bidders known to be seeking Mascherano's signature. Conflicting reports from Spain and England place that figure anywhere between €26 million and €30.5 million.