Inter move for Mascherano

Mascherano: No shortage of admirers

Javier Mascherano's agent claims Inter Milan have made tentative enquiries regarding his client's availability.

The Liverpool midfielder has been strongly linked with an exit from Anfield this summer, with numerous clubs touted as possible destinations.

Spanish giants Barcelona are reported to be long-time admirers of the Argentina international, but they are currently focused on their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas.

That has potentially opened the door to other potential suitors, with Serie A champions Inter making the first move.

Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is now in charge at Giuseppe Meazza and is well aware of the qualities Mascherano has to offer.

With contract talks on Merseyside currently stalled, while the South American star is away on World Cup duty, Inter hope they can steal in and snatch the 25-year-old away.

"There has already been a first contact with director Marco Branca," Mascherano's agent Marco Piccioli told www.itasportpress.it.

No Mystery

"We are evaluating the move hard and in the next few days we will have a new meeting to better establish the details of this transfer deal.

"It is no mystery that he is a player liked by Inter and by Benitez. There is nothing concrete at the moment, but we are in the talking phase."

Mascherano has done little to curb the speculation, recently admitting that he could be tempted to follow Benitez to Italy.

"Would I follow Benitez? I don't know," he said with a shrug.

"At the moment I really know little about my future.

"But of course with Benitez at Liverpool I experienced three incredible years. His football is my football."