Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafa Benitez still interested in Liverpool FC Javier Mascherano swoop
Javier Mascherano and Rafa Benitez 300[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ has refused to rule out returning to Anfield with a swoop for Javier Mascherano after being unveiled as Inter manager.[LNB]The former Liverpool boss faced the media in Italy yesterday and was immediately grilled on who he would add to a squad that won the Champions League last season.[LNB]Predictably, Benitez - as was the case during his time on Merseyside - would not speak about players from other clubs nor would he talk in detail about the Reds.[LNB]However, there is little doubt Benitez will attempt to lure Mascherano to the San Siro once the midfielder's World Cup campaign with Argentina is over.[LNB] Though it looked as if Mascherano would sign a contract extension with Liverpool, his future has been shrouded in doubt for some time since talks stalled in April.[LNB]What's more, Benitez and Mascherano have a close relationship and, clearly, they would jump at the chance to work with each other again if the chance arose.[LNB]Mascherano, perhaps mischievously, admitted after Argentina's win over Nigeria at the weekend that he has been learning to speak Italian during his time in South Africa.[LNB]He also revealed in an interview earlier this month that his wife has been unable to settle in Liverpool, factors that mean his likely to end his Reds career this summer.[LNB]Liverpool paid £18.6m to sign Mascherano in January 2008 after he had spent a successful 12-month spell at the club on loan.[LNB]If they do sanction his sale, they would be looking for a fee in the region of £30m for a player who is widely regarded as the best in his position in the world.
