The People says Eriksson has had a secret two-day summit with super agent Pini Zahavi in Thailand - to talk through a move for Mascherano.

The Argentinian midfielder could quit the Kop because of Rafa Benitez's rotation policy.

He would prefer to join Barcelona but he would not get a regular game there either - and the Spaniards are reluctant to pay the £16million asking price.

City could find the cash and Zahavi will help smooth the deal through if owner Thaksin Shinawatra can free up some of his assets.