Mascherano is said to be considering his options after the Merseysiders suffered a poor campaign by their standards, finishing seventh and failing to secure Champions League football next season.

La Liga winners Barcelona have been looking at the Argentina captain for a few seasons, although they are in negotiations with Arsenal over a potential move for Cesc Fabregas which could deter them from signing Mascherano.

With former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez moving to the San Siro this summer, Mascherano could be keen to join his former boss, according to his agent Marco Piccioli.

He said: “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 is currently with the Argentina squad at the World Cup in South Africa with the side winning their first two games in Group B.

Diego Maradona’s men are one of the tournament favourites after showing some impressive performances, including a 4-1 romp over South Korea on Thursday thanks to a hat-trick form Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Mascherano has been a key member of the side playing the anchorman role in the middle of the field, allowing players like Lionel Messi to roam free and create chances.

The 25-year-old has not ruled out a move to Inter as has revealed that he is a big fan of the kind of football Benitez likes to play.

He said: “Would I follow Benitez? I don’t know.”

He added: “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.”

Argentina will face Greece (Greece 5/1 draw 13/5 Argentina 4/7 – match betting) in their final game in Group B and look like clear favourites to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

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