Mascherano

[Vlads Quiff]

[quote author=Dee link=topic=40914.msg1133782#msg1133782 date=1278752494]

Javier Mascherano is ready to try and force Liverpool's hand over a move from Anfield by submitting a transfer request.

The Liverpool midfielder is aware of continuing interest from Barcelona and is just as keen on linking up with his former manager Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan.

Increasingly concerned at an apparent deadlock over engineering a transfer to either club, he is preparing to hand Roy Hodgson his first major test as Liverpool boss by asking for a move.

Even if it is viewed sympathetically, the Argentina captain could find himself priced out of both clubs' reach, after it emerged Liverpool are likely to value him at a prohibitive £30m.

Benitez may offer Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari in part-exchange, but it would still take a cash adjustment of at around £20m to push a deal through.

It is clear Mascherano could start a season under a cloud at Anfield for a second year running.

Denied a move to the Nou Camp 12 months ago, Mascherano eventually knuckled down and became one of Liverpool's more consistent performers, but only after brooding over what he viewed as a missed opportunity. He is in danger of losing out again, with Barcelona encountering financial problems.

One of his advisers, Marco Piccioli, said: 'I know Mascherano and Benitez have a great relationship, but sometimes that is not enough. A deal (with Inter) can only happen towards the last part of the transfer market. That is my vision, at least.'

[/quote]

I don't see how £30m is seen as prohibitive in the transfer market these days, for a player who is world class in his position, and not even reached his prime.
Rafa certainly can't say that as he valued him at a lot more than that last year.

regards

 

[keniget]

We´re not really in a position of power here though and I´m not sure to what extent we can play hardball.

The player clearly wants to leave and will try and force our hand, we´re not in the CL and it´s arguable as to whether we have the finances and ability to get back there. What´s more, if we don´t sell Masher this summer, he´ll only have one year left on his contract next summer.

We pretty much have to sell him now.

 

[Judge Jules]

I see what you're saying but IMO it's a bit previous. As he's contracted to us for another two years, not just the one, I'd have thought we do have some leverage (a) with the player and (b) with any club keen enough to sign him, neither of whom will want to wait another season till our need to sell becomes pressing. Obv.there's a balance to be struck, but I don't think we're over a barrel yet.

 

[manwithnoname]

Jules, he's leaving this summer. Get over it, everyone knows it, let's not have another 'Tevez' moment

He's gone

 

[SaintGeorge67]

I love Masher, but if we get £30m then he should go (assume Roy can competently spend it).

 

[Judge Jules]

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=40914.msg1133855#msg1133855 date=1278763465]
Jules, he's leaving this summer. Get over it, everyone knows it, let's not have another 'Tevez' moment

He's gone
[/quote]

I'm not disputing that he's off, much as I regret it. What I don't accept is that it's a buyer's market where he's concerned. IMO we have a decent bargaining position over the fee and should hold out for the £30 mill. At the very least the fee should be nearer to that than to the £20mill.plus that's been reported.

 

[Hansern]

Barca don't have the money for him, unless they sell someone of course. But his most likely destination will then be Inter, and if so Cambiasso + money would do nicely.