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.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.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. Big guns: Arfa could be heading for Manchester United or LiverpoolBut 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.The Geordies appear to be out of the running, but sources in France insist Ben Arfa was on Merseyside for talks on Tuesday.'I want to play in the Premier League because my time in the French League has passed,' he said. Wantaway: Liverpool rebel Mascherano sits out last week's match against TrabzonsporManchesterUnited and Everton havepreviously shown interest and his agent has contacted several clubs in England, but Liverpool appear to be favourites for his signature.Mascherano is desperate to quit Anfield, but Barcelona's first bid ofabout £12m and former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb was rejected.Hodgson is not keen on Hleb - at least not at Barca's £4.5m valuation- and Liverpool want a straight £18m cash deal.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.Liverpool also want to add a new striker. 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

Source: Daily_Mail