Toure deal will increase Barca interest in Mascherano

With Manchester City having all but signed Yaya Toure from Barcelona, the Catalan giants will intensify their interest in Liverpool's Javier Mascherano , according to Spanish daily AS.

It appears that the drawn out transfer of Toure may finally have been completed with sections of the Spanish media reporting that the midfielder will move to Manchester City for 30 million euros with only the formality of a medical outstanding.  Spanish daily 'Sport' reports that "the agreement between the clubs is closed."

Meanwhile AS speculates that the sale of Toure will speed up a Barcelona bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. It had been thought that the Spanish champions were put off by a 30 million price tag, but given the sale of Toure, Barcelona will increase their interest in the Argentina captain, having attempted to prize him away from Anfield last summer.  AS describes the deal now as "more feasible".

Should Barcelona attempt to sign Mascherano, it is thought that they will have to compete with Inter Milan for the 26-year-old's signature.  Mascherano has spoken openly of his admiration for former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, now in charge at the San Siro.

Mascherano, widely regarded as the best holding midfielder in the world, played 47 games for Liverpool last season and is currently starring at the World Cup for Argentina.

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