Barca prepare Mascherano bid

Liverpool's Javier Mascherano is wanted by Spanish giants Barcelona who are readying a bid for the combative midfielder.

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Barca are looking to tempt Reds boss Rafael Benitez with a substantial bid for the Argentine international.

It is claimed the midfielder has decided to leave the Merseyside outfit because his wife has failed to settle in England, with a move to Spain the preferred option.

It is thought that Benitez understands the predicament the holding-midfielder finds himself in and would be prepared to let him go, provided his valuation is met.

Benitez values Mascherano at 41.5 million euro's - but Pep Guardiola may test the Premier League club's resolve by offering a cash plus player deal, possibly including his highly-rated young striker Bojan.