Liverpool are in talks with Internazionale over the possible sale of Javier Mascherano after the Italian club made an approach for the midfielder. Roy Hodgson is believed to be ready to sell the Argentina captain at the right price to raise funds, after warning Liverpool supporters that several more signings are needed to lift the "doom and gloom" that enveloped the club last season.
Liverpool want at least £25m for Mascherano, who has made no secret of his desire to move to Inter and link up again with Rafael Benítez, Hodgson's predecessor as manager at Anfield. Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, recently said it was his client's "dream" to join the Serie A club and the approach had been anticipated.
Mascherano has been disillusioned at Liverpool for some time, having seen Benítez block a proposed move to Barcelona last summer. Hodgson reported last week that the 26-year-old had not responded to his telephone or text messages while on holiday following the World Cup. He had been keen to discuss the player's future.
The manager will have only a modest amount to spend on transfers unless he increases that budget through sales, meaning Mascherano's departure could suit both parties. Hodgson's funds look set to be swelled by the sale to Olympiakos of Albert Riera, who played no part in tonight's 0-0 draw with Grasshopper in a friendly in Switzerland because talks with the Greek club are ongoing.
The Olympiakos manager, Ewald Lienen, is expecting to sign the winger by the end of the week. "Unless there is a major surprise then he will be our player," he said.
One target for Hodgson could be Manchester City's Wayne Bridge. City look set to bring in Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov from Lazio to play at left-back and Liverpool will be without a senior player in that position if, as expected, Emiliano Insúa moves to Fiorentina.
