Barcelona were understood to be renewing the bid for Javier Mascherano after the coach Pep Guardiola admitted that he wanted to sign a defensive midfielder. The comment comes in light of Mascherano's refusal to play for Liverpool at Manchester City.
The Catalan giants have now gone public on their interest, and the midfielder has openly expressed his desire to leave Anfield.
It has been reported that an initial bid of £12million, plus Alexander Hleb, was dismissed out of hand by Liverpool, but the first bid was closer to £18million - though that figure was still some way off Liverpool's £25million valuation.
Barcelona are prepared to offer Liverpool Alexander Hleb again plus Martin Cáceres in part exchange, to increase the bid beyond the current £25million. Pressure is building on the new president and sporting director from Guardiola to get the deal done.
Yaya Touré departure from Nou Camp on a similar price and having failed to secure the Arsenal captain they now have a vacant slot in central midfield that Guardiola believes has to be filled.
Barcelona may have one problem, though, with sources suggesting that a late bid from Internazionale should not be ruled out.
This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
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