Liverpool have reportedly been given first refusal to re-sign Javier Mascherano.
Mascherano spent three years at Anfield before the versatile midfielder-turned-defender sealed an £18.6 million switch to Barcelona in the summer of 2010.
However the Argentina international could be in line for a return to the Reds with his first-team opportunities with the Catalan giants currently proving limited.
Under Ernesto Valverde, Mascherano has made just 10 appearances this season and faces a fight for his future with the Spanish champions-elect.
Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt and Colombia international Yerry Mina are said to be under consideration by Barca, which would spell the end for the 33-year-old.
But Teamtalk claim that Liverpool may offer Mascherano an escape from his Nou Camp nightmare during the January transfer window for a ‘nominal fee’.
Barca are understood to favour a move to both help revitalise their ageing squad while also smoothing over relations between the clubs over Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho was the subject of numerous offers from the ‘Blaugrana’ last summer, only for the Anfield hierarchy to reject all bids including one of £114m.
The offer of first refusal on Mascherano is not connected to Barcelona’s pursuit of the Brazil international despite plans to renew their interest in the months ahead.