Interested clubs will have to wait to bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Mascherano has spoken in glowing terms about Rafa Benitez and is thought to be open to working with his former boss at Inter Milan.

The former West Ham man spoke last season of his happiness at Anfield, but talks on an improved contract failed before the World Cup to raise further questions about his future.

Mascherano was keen to join Barca last summer and the Catalans are ready to bid for him with the £28million fee they receive from Manchester City for Yaya Toure.

Liverpool are reluctant to do any deals before they appoint Roy Hodgson as their new manager, with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres also being eyed up by Europe's giants.