As Roy Hodgson prepares for life at Liverpool, he will undoubtedly be turning his attention to trying to prevent, or indeed, rubberstamping a mass exodus at Anfield this summer. Javier Mascherano, a player who sought to depart Anfield last summer, is rumoured to be on his way out this time round, with Barcelona and Inter Milan in pursuit of the diminutive midfielder. Whilst Inter Milan are said to have been in contact with the player’s representatives, club president Massimo Moratti has poured cold water on the likelihood of such a transfer, stating “Mascherano is strong, but it is unlikely that he will come. He costs too much and it’s not even a given that Liverpool will sell him.” The Italian champions are said to have been perturbed by Liverpool’s request for £30m for the Argentine’s services, with Rafa Benitez thought to be turning his attention to cheaper alternatives. Are Liverpool pricing Javier Mascherano out of the market?

The fact that Mascherano is being courted by both the Spanish and Italian champions, in addition to his displays for Liverpool since joining the Anfield outfit in 2007, would suggest that his ‘world-class’ status is indisputable. Aside from handing Mascherano the captain’s armband, national coach Diego Maradona underlined Mascherano’s importance by stating “My team is Mascherano and 10 others.” The Liverpool hierarchy have evidently reflected upon Mascherano’s worth and reputation in determining his valuation.

Whilst Mascherano excels at what he does, one would feel that his skills and abilities aren’t as unique as that of other world-class players, such as former team-mate Xabi Alonso. Alonso’s range of passing and vision is considered to be unrivalled within world football; Mascherano’s combative, tenacious style of play is certainly less so. Inter Milan’s willingness to give up on Mascherano in order to pursue the likes of Felipe Melo would suggest that this is the case.

In addition to this, Mascherano’s discipline and temperament is questionable. Last season the fiery anchorman received 10 yellow cards and two red cards, as well as accumulating the third highest number of fouls in the Premier League. Although the accumulation of fouls is synonymous with Mascherano’s position, there are undoubtedly several alternative transfer targets for both Barcelona and Inter Milan who are far more disciplined.

Although Mascherano has been a fantastic player for Liverpool, I believe that he is replaceable, and it seems as though the clubs interested in buying ‘El Jefe’ have acknowledged this. Barring an unforeseeable takeover this summer, it appears as though Roy Hodgson will have to work under a ‘sell to buy’ policy, and the sale of Mascherano would provide much needed funds to strengthen other areas of the team. In order to do this, Liverpool may have consider reducing their valuation of Javier Mascherano.

Do you think Javier Mascherano is worth £30m?

*

Follow all things Liverpool at www.twitter.com/Liverpool_FFC

Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/zarifrasul

*

Click on image below to see the PORTUGUESE babes at the World Cup