A row between Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow and Rafa Benitez threatens to boil over into star sales.

The Mirror says a bitter row between boss Benitez and Purslow has caused a power vacuum. And it has left the likes of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano all ­considering their futures.

Mascherano is the latest to reveal his discontent at Anfield. He is wanted by Barcelona, but has been told his contract negotiations with Liverpool have been put on hold until after the World Cup.

Barca have also been pursuing Torres quietly in recent weeks, and discussions have taken place with the striker's advisors as they offer a route out of war-torn Anfield. And Gerrard is a target for Real Madrid if Jose Mourinho takes over.