Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool eye £6.5m Hatem Ben Arfa and Real Madrid's Mahamadou Diarra
Liverpool are ready to pounce for Marseille star Hatem Ben Arfa if Javier Mascherano clinches a move to Barcelona.[LNB]Classy Ben Arfa, who can play centrally or on the left wing, is not a direct replacement for Anfield's Argentine rebel, but the sale of Mascherano would free up funds to swoop for the £6.5million-rated France international.[LNB]Roy Hodgson has already signed Denmark international Christian Poulsen from Juventus to toughen up his midfield and is also considering a cheap move for Real Madrid's tough-tackling Mahamadou Diarra.[LNB] [LNB] Big guns: Arfa could be heading for Manchester United or Liverpool[LNB]But Ben Arfa would add more creative quality. Werder Bremen have agreed a fee with Marseille, but the 23-year-old would prefer to play inthe Barclays Premier League and went on strike when a loan move to NewcastleUnited was blocked earlier this month.[LNB]The Geordies appear to be out of the running, but sources in France insist Ben Arfa was on Merseyside for talks on Tuesday.[LNB]'I want to play in the Premier League because my time in the French League has passed,' he said.[LNB] Wantaway: Liverpool rebel Mascherano sits out last week's match against Trabzonspor[LNB]ManchesterUnited and Everton havepreviously shown interest and his agent has contacted several clubs in England, but Liverpool appear to be favourites for his signature.[LNB]Mascherano is desperate to quit Anfield, but Barcelona's first bid ofabout £12m and former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb was rejected.[LNB]Hodgson is not keen on Hleb - at least not at Barca's £4.5m valuation- and Liverpool want a straight £18m cash deal.[LNB]Reports in Catalonia say the champions of Spain are now prepared to pay close to that, but only if about £4m is in add-ons.[LNB]Liverpool also want to add a new striker.[LNB] Manchester United and Liverpool linked with Newcastle target Ben ArfaIt's not too late! Sign up for our FREE Fantasy Football - with £40,000 prizes up for grabsHodgson eyes Konchesky reunion as Liverpool close in on Fulham defenderBarcelona told that Liverpool misfit Mascherano will cost them £18mLIVERPOOL FC
