Manchester City are ready to pounce for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Times says Kia Joorabchian, founder of Media Sports Investments, the company that owns Mascherano's "economic rights", has indicated that he will take the Argentina midfield player elsewhere if Liverpool are unwilling or unable to meet his demands.

Manchester City have registered an interest, but Barcelona are considered more serious contenders for his signature, with the player having been made aware of their interest.