TheDailySoccerNews.com

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Primera Division giants Barcelona are readying an offer for Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano.

It is claimed the combative midfielder has decided to leave the Merseyside outfit because his wife is keen to leave England having failed to settle.

It is thought that manager Rafael Benitez understands the 48-time capped Argentina international’s predicament and is ready to grant him a transfer, provided his valuation is met.

Apparently, the Reds boss is holding out for at least €41.5 million (£35m) in exchange for the 25-year-old’s services.

Although La Blaugrana are expected to meet Liverpool’s demands, they may well test the Premier League club’s resolve with a bid of €23.7m (£20m) plus a player, possibly highly-rated young striker Bojan, in the first instance.