Barcelona are tracking Javier Mascherano's situation at Liverpool.

The Observer says Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, wants to sign the Argentina midfielder, who is on loan at Anfield, from owners MSI. It is understood that the deal for Mascherano, who could cost up to £18m, is one of the reasons why Benitez had a recent public falling-out with George Hicks and Tom Gillett, the club's American owners.