Liverpool are ready to sell midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Daily Star Sunday says the Reds will cash in on Mascherano after the World Cup and could spend a chunk of the £30million windfall on paying off Rafa Benitez.

They've hesitated at taking the axe to Benitez because they would have to hand over a £16m cheque for his remaining four-year deal.

But it's now felt that the golden handshake could be financed by Mascherano's sale, with Barcelona still an option.

Mascherano believed he was joining Barca last summer and put his early season slump down to the disappointment at not packing his bags for the Nou Camp.