Catalan Daily Sport have reported Liverpool are eyeing a move that will see Mascherano from Barcelona head back to Merseyside. The Spanish source is also claiming that Napoli will rival Liverpool for his signature, with former manager Benitez, who remains a big fan of the Argentinian.

Napoli are supposedly readying an offer of around €15 million for the 29 year old. The Express have hinted that other Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal are also on alert for a player who is said to have his heart set on a move away from Spain. 

Could be heading back to Liverpool

According to English sources, Liverpool are prepared to make a bid for the midfielder/defender in a region of £9 million, an offer they believe will convince the Spanish side to make way with Mascherano who only has one year remaining on his contract.

The Argentinian has been a regular in the Barcelona side this season, but has recently hinted at a desire to seek a challenge elsewhere. Ahead of their crunch clash against Atletico at home for the La Liga title, Mascherano said:

“We now hope to win the Liga title at home against Atletico. It will all be decided next week. It could be the last game for Barcelona for some of us.”

A “mini revolution” is set to take place next season for Barcelona as they look to freshen themselves up and get back to the level they have been so praised for in recent years. It looks like Mascherano will be one of those players, along with the likes of Dani Alves who also has just one year remaining on his contract.

Having said to be very close to completing a deal for Lallana, Mascherano could be another piece in the puzzle for Brendan Rodgers. He could see the Argentinian as a way to improve Liverpool’s defensive abilities which have been their downfall this season. Mascherano would add vital experience in this department, both in the Premier League and also in Europe for Liverpool’s Champions League campaign. If the Reds are going to successfully compete on both fronts they need a big squad, Mascherano could be welcomed back to the club in this sense and would be a good signing if a fee of just £9 million is what it takes to capture him.