Agent: Mascherano would relish Inter switch

Javier Mascherano’s agent claims the Liverpool midfielder would jump at the chance of a reunion with Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan.

The Argentina captain is reportedly one of the top transfer targets for Inter this summer.

And Mascherano’s agent Walter Tamer has done little to quell the speculation, telling Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport: “Mascherano has not spoken to (new Liverpool manager Roy) Hodgson nor with Liverpool.

“After the World Cup, he has switched off but it’s clear that he is happy to be a target of top clubs in the transfer market.

“Last season, it was the European champions Barcelona that wanted him and this year it’s Inter, the current Champions League winners.

“For him to be linked to Inter has a magical taste...it’s a dream. Think about it, the strongest team in the world wants him, a team where many of Mascherano’s compatriots play and a side that is guided by a coach with whom Mascherano has a personal bond.”

Mascherano is under contract with the Reds until June 2012, a potential stumbling block admitted Tamer.

He added: “If it was up to Mascherano, the negotiations (with Inter) would be very easy. But he has a contract with Liverpool and first the two clubs would have to find an agreement before we step in.”

Tamer claims 26-year-old Mascherano was the subject of an offer from Barca last summer.

“Last year (former Liverpool coach) Benitez turned down a lot of money offered by Barcelona for the player but this is a different market,” Tamer said.

“I have not been informed what Mascherano’s buy-out clause is. I await a call as I am the only one authorised to speak of his eventual transfer.”