Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is eyeing Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Guardiola has already spoken to Mascherano about a move from Liverpool, according to reports in Argentina.

The European champions have identified Mascherano as one of the few players who could improve their stellar side and are lining up a £22million move.

Rafa Benitez is reluctant to lose his unsettled midfielder, especially with Xabi Alonso also in the sights of Barca's rivals Real Madrid.

But Guardiola has already made his move, according to Argentine newspaper Clarin, to sound out the 25-year-old.

Barca are also keen on Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas but believe a deal for Mascherano would be cheaper.