Barca are to test Liverpool's resolve by making an opening offer of €20 million in an attempt to prise Mascherano away from Liverpool, according to a report.

Mascherano is rumoured to be a target for Barcelona this summer and, after talks with the player's representative, a plan has been hatched to try and persuade Liverpool to sell.

Agent Walter Tamer was in Barcelona capital last week talking not only about what could be on offer at Barcelona but also helping to formulate a way of brokering a transfer, Sport state.

Rafa Benitez has stated that he does not want to sell the influential Mascherano, but the feeling is growing that he is going to have to let one of his midfielder's go this summer.

Xabi Alonso is wanted by Real Madrid and possibly Juventus, after the Italians reignited their interest a year after they first showed an interest.

The pressure is on Liverpool is really starting to mount.

Benitez wants money to spend, and the sale of Mascherano to Barcelona could open up doors for him to have the pick of the European champions' fringe layers and youth teamers.

Sport believe that if Rafael Benitez is told he can use every penny of a transfer fee for Mascherano, then he will try to negotiate with Barcelona and could ask about Toure Yaya.

The Ivory Coast international has held talks about a new contract at the Catalan club, but the arrival of Mascherano would leave an over crowded midfield and might tempt him to leave.

Barca are to test Liverpool's resolve by making an opening offer of €20 million in an attempt to prise Mascherano away from Liverpool, according to a report.

Mascherano is rumoured to be a target for Barcelona this summer and, after talks with the player's representative, a plan has been hatched to try and persuade Liverpool to sell.

Agent Walter Tamer was in Barcelona capital last week talking not only about what could be on offer at Barcelona but also helping to formulate a way of brokering a transfer, Sport state.

Rafa Benitez has stated that he does not want to sell the influential Mascherano, but the feeling is growing that he is going to have to let one of his midfielder's go this summer.

Xabi Alonso is wanted by Real Madrid and possibly Juventus, after the Italians reignited their interest a year after they first showed an interest.

The pressure is on Liverpool is really starting to mount.

Benitez wants money to spend, and the sale of Mascherano to Barcelona could open up doors for him to have the pick of the European champions' fringe layers and youth teamers.

Sport believe that if Rafael Benitez is told he can use every penny of a transfer fee for Mascherano, then he will try to negotiate with Barcelona and could ask about Toure Yaya.

The Ivory Coast international has held talks about a new contract at the Catalan club, but the arrival of Mascherano would leave an over crowded midfield and might tempt him to leave.