Report: Roma want Mascherano but Liverpool have advantage

It may be that Javier Mascherano has played his last game for Barcelona and Roma are reportedly keen to sign him despite links to a Liverpool return.

Many Liverpool fans are hoping that Argentine international Javier Mascherano may return to the club this summer, but Serie A runners-up Roma may stand in the way.

Mascherano left Liverpool on bad terms in 2010 after he was accused of refusing to play in a game against Manchester City, but he has always denied that charge and the fans were still sad to see him leave.

Although Mascherano has played down his statement that Barcelona’s draw with Atletico Madrid may be some of their players’ last game for the club, insisting that he didn’t necessarily mean himself, there are still widespread rumours that he wants to move on.

There have been reports in the Italian press that Napoli and Barcelona agreed a deal but Mascherano refused to move to Naples because he doesn’t feel it is a good place for his family.

It has been suggested that Mascherano is holding out for a return to Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers may well be glad to have the services of the defensive midfielder turned defender.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma have been waiting in the wings and hoping to lure Mascherano.

However, the paper admits that Roma may not be the ideal destination as their transfer policy for the summer is to find younger players rather and Mascherano’s salary could be above their self-imposed cap.

Roma are refusing to offer more than around £2.3m per year for any new players and that would be unlikely to attract Mascherano.

Liverpool remain favourites should they wish to bring Mascherano back but they may need to move fast before other clubs enter the ring.