Source: Daily_Mail
Javier Mascherano's Liverpool exit to Inter Milan in doubt
Miserable Javier Mascherano faces heartbreak in his attempt to quit Liverpool as it emerged that Inter Milan had turned their attention to Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio.[LNB]Former Reds boss Rafa Benitez would love to Mascherano to the San Siro, but Inter president Massimo Moratti is not prepared to meet Liverpool's £25million asking price.[LNB]Authoritative reports in Milan say the European champions have made Juventus player Marchisio their new No 1 target and will only consider the wantaway Liverpool star if they fail to land a player seen as Italy's next great midfield star.[LNB] Misery man: Mascherano may be forced to stay at Liverpool with potential suitors Inter Milan switching targets[LNB]Inter are offering their rivals £12.5m plus Argentina defender Nicolas Burdisso to snare the 24-year-old, who is younger, more versatile and cheaper than 26-year-old Mascherano.[LNB]Despite disappointing at the World Cup, Marchisio is still held in very high regard in Serie A.[LNB]Mascherano received a promise 12 months ago that he would be allowed to leave this summer, provided he knuckled down last season, and he is pressing Liverpool to keep their word. [LNB]However, new boss Roy Hodgson insists the club will not be held to ransom and Inter have followed Barcelona in cooling their interest.[LNB]The Argentina captain will not play against Trabzonspor in the Europa League play-off first leg at Anfield, but Hodgson insists this is because of a genuine calf strain rather than a fear of making him cup-tied for suitors wanting to use Mascherano in the Champions League.[LNB]Liverpool have actually offered the former West Ham player a new four-year contract, thought to be worth close on £100,000 a week, and will make him see out the two years left on his current deal rather than let him go on the cheap.[LNB] Splashing out: Inter are interested in Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio[LNB]'If an offer comes in that is commensurate with his value, that is one thing, but Javier does not expect us simply to allow him to walk out of here,' said Hodgson.[LNB]'In an ideal world, I would not even be entertaining the idea of listening to any offers, regardless of the amount. [LNB]'It is only because of the promise made to him, amid all the interest from Barcelona a year ago, that we have been prepared to go this far. [LNB]'The fact is, he lives alone in Liverpool, because his wife never settled, so it would benefit him and his family if he moved to another country.[LNB]'But he's the best in the world at what he does, so a club have to make an offer that reflects his status. If that happened, and we reneged on our promise, we would have an unhappy player on our hands. [LNB] Sticking around: The Argentina captain wants to leave Anfield but may have to wait[LNB]'But we won't have an unhappy player if there is no offer or only one that is ludicrously below what he, I and the whole world know he is worth. So far, there has been no offer whatsoever.[LNB]'He has a new contract offer from us, and I'll be delighted if he decides to sign it. If not, I'll be quite happy to work with him for the next two years, and if he walks away, then so be it.'[LNB]Benitez is also believed to be back on the trail of Dirk Kuyt but was given short shrift by Hodgson, who said bluntly: 'He is not for sale.'[LNB] Mascherano will only go on my terms, reveals Liverpool manager HodgsonJavier Mascherano leaves door open to Inter Milan move as midfielder misses Europa League clash with TrabzonsporNew Kop idol Jovanovic thanks Liverpool fans for 'amazing' Anfield receptionArteta ignores Gerrard's England plea as Everton star clings to Spain dreamLIVERPOOL FC
