Barcelona Move For Mascherano As Inter Cool Off

Barcelona have emerged as frontrunners to sign Javier Mascherano from Liverpool.

Inter Milan were considered to be favourites for his signature with new boss Rafael Benitez keen to be reunited with his former player but with no deal for Douglas Maicon materialising and the Mario Balotelli to Manchester City saga dragging on, it is unclear whether the European champions will have the funds necessary to facilitate a deal.

The inertia has allowed Barcelona to steal a march on a player that they have coveted for some time.

Last summer, the Catalan club registered their interest in him but Liverpool refused to sell, an action that frustrated Mascherano and which prompted some below-par performances and ultimately his decision to leave Merseyside.

While the combative midfielder is undoubtedly an excellent player, the form of Sergio Busquets over the last year at Camp Nou in a similar position has been equally impressive and it seems the money earmarked to buy Cesc Fabregas is simply burning a whole in Pep Guardiola’s tailored suit.