LIVERPOOL, Manchester United and Arsenal will have to promise to play Javier Mascherano in midfield if they are to lure him away from Barcelona, according to the player's agent.

Mascherano has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou this summer, with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez keen to take him to Napoli.

But Liverpool, United and Arsenal are all also in the running and are preparing to fight Benitez for the Argentine.

However, Mascherano will seek assurances that he will be played in midfield - not defence as he is at Barcelona - before committing his future anywhere.

His agent, Bernardo Bovarone, told Napoli-based Radio CRC: "Benitez would like Mascherano and he's evaluating different options to try signing him.

"Why does he want to leave Barcelona? The club told him he won't play in the middle of the park, so when choosing his next destination, that will be a fundamental thing.

"Mascherano feels he is a midfielder and wishes to play in that role."

Speaking about Mascherano's relationship with Benitez, Bovarone added: "They talk frequently. There is interest and Benitez is not giving up."

Source: Daily Express