Barca join chase for Masch

Barcelona are hoping to trump Inter Milan after renewing their interest in wantaway Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

On Thursday the 26-year-old's agent revealed that negotiations had taken place with Inter director Marco Branca over a possible switch to the San Siro, where he would be reunited with former Reds manager Rafael Benitez.

But the Catalan giants have since stepped up their plans for Mascherano and are planning to table a fresh bid after Benitez denied the Argentina captain a move to the Nou Camp last summer by placing a £50million price tag on his head.

Funds from Yaya Toure's imminent £25million move to Manchester City have been earmarked by Pep Guadriola to spend on his successor and Barca are hoping that Mascherano's yearing for a return to a Spanish-speaking country will weigh in their favour.

Manager-less Liverpool are keen to keep hold of the defensive midfielder but a bid of £30million could be enough to force the hand of the Anfield board, with the club's debts continuing to mount up.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.