mascherano
FC Barcelona's Javier Mascherano hints Nou Camp exit, Liverpool seen as expected destination Reuters

Liverpool are reported to be initialising a move for La Liga defenders in Barcelona's Javier Mascherano and Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao.

With only two more games to play in the Premier League, the Reds have already secured a slot in Europe's elite tournament - the Champions League - next season and will be looking to strengthen their side by adding depth to their squad, particularly the defensive line, to confront a busier year ahead.

While featuring for the Catalan club quite regularly this term, the Argentine has been deployed as a centre-back, in lieu of any of the unavailable first-choices, Carles Puyol and Gerrard Pique, which is not his natural and preferred position, being a holding midfielder.

Aside from invaluable experiences he has gained throughout his playing career, a switch to the Merseyside might prove advantageous to Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers because the 29-year-old has already proven that he can play in England's top-flight.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese left-back has found himself out of favour at the Bernabeu under the reign of Carlo Ancelloti, getting the starting nod only 7 times in the domestic league and is primarily used as a reserve.

He is expected to be rotated on the left side of defence along with Jon Flanagan, with loanee Aly Cissokho returning to his mother club, Valencia, when the season ends, while injury-prone Jose Enrique might be offered to move elsewhere.

Caught Offide suggests that Liverpool are willing to offer £16million for Mascherano and £12million for Arbeloa.

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