Mascherano open to Rafa reunion

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has hinted he would be open to a move to Inter Milan should former Reds coach Rafael Benitez wish to be reunited with him.

The Argentina international, currently on World Cup duty, is reportedly a £25m target for the Italian giants, who appointed Benitez as Jose Mourinho’s successor last week.

Mascherano, in remarks reported by the Daily Star, said: “Me to Inter? Ask Benitez. He is the one who knows more.

“Rafa is my teacher. I learned so much from him since I came to play in Europe. I am learning Italian, but I don’t know anything about Inter. Does Benitez want me? You should ask him as he would know more than me.”

The player’s agent, Marco Piccioli indicated a move is close and told reporters: “There has already been a first contact with (Inter sporting director) Marco Branca.

“We are evaluating the move hard and in the next few days we will have a new meeting to better establish the details of this transfer deal.”