Barcelona back in for Liverpool's Javier Mascherano after Inter Milan admit: We can't afford him!



Target: But Liverpool have priced midfielder Javier Mascherano out of the market according to Inter



Barcelona could rekindle their interest in Javier Mascherano following Inter Milan's claims that Liverpool are asking too much for the midfielder.

The champions of Spain can call on up to £35million left over from their failed pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and they have made Mascherano and Werder Bremen star Mesut Ozil their top priorities.

Chelsea and Manchester United also want playmaker Ozil, but the Germany World Cup revelation is a Barcelona fan and is understood to be closing in on a move to the Nou Camp.



That deal could be for an initial fee of just £8.5m, leaving Barca tempted to use the rest of the funds for a new Mascherano bid.



Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to take the Argentina captain with him to Inter, but the Reds are holding out for a bumper fee above £25m and San Siro president Massimo Moratti is reluctant to spend big sums until a player leaves.



The Serie A side have declared victory in their bid to keep Brazil right back Maicon from Real Madrid and although Mario Balotelli is heading for Manchester City, Inter will need to target an attacking replacement rather than throw all of their bounty at Mascherano.

In demand: Ozil is wanted across Europe after an impressive World Cup



'At this moment, we're unable to make any transfers of this magnitude,' said Moratti. 'Mascherano for €30m (£25m)? It's not possible at this price because we haven't sold anyone.'



Mascherano's Anfield exit had seemed inevitable after he returned from the World Cup to tell new boss Roy Hodgson he wanted to leave.



However, Hodgson won't let him leave on the cheap and that message will be conveyed to Barca should they see him as the perfect replacement for Yaya Toure.



The Catalans tried to sign him last summer, much to the delight of the 26-year-old, but met strong resistance from Liverpool.



Off you go: New boss Roy Hodgson (right) expect Mascherano to leave Anfield



An agent purporting to represent Mascherano's interests in Spain has been quick to talk up a deal in light of Inter's stance.

While Argentine Walter Tamer is Mascherano's primary representative, Barcelona-based Horacio Zandonadi agent told Spanish radio: 'The player and everyone would love him to be at Barca.



Alternative: Barca like Tottenham midfielder Palacios (left)

'We are talking about a fee which is close to half what Barca were asked for Fabregas.



'This is his situation: he hasn't renewed (his contract) and they promised him that this year they would help him leave the club.



'We are speaking about a situation that is much easier than last year, when there was a soap opera about Mascherano signing for Barcelona.



'Almost everyone likes Mascherano because he is a great footballer. Mascherano and Messi are friends, they get along very well because they have a similar personality.

They are super professional and love football, and also their families.'



Barca could offer former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb as part of the deal for Mascherano.



Tottenham's Wilson Palacios has also been considered as a player who can offer competition to Spain international Sergio Busquets at the Nou Camp.











