Thursday, 5th September, 2013

A source close to Barcelona defensive lynchpin Javier Mascherano has revealed that the Argentine may well reunite with his "mentor" Rafael Benitez at Napoli in January.

Mascherano was one of the players Napoli were heavily linked with during the summer transfer window, but a deal between the Italian club and Barcelona did not materialise.

 


Despite Napoli's heavy investment in players during the summer, made possible by the sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain, it appears that the Stadio San Paolo outfit have already set their minds on January, with one of their targets doing the same.

"The story is not over yet for Mascherano", a source close to the player told Il Mattino.

relatedNewsStory

"The player may have decided to stay with Barcelona at the moment, but he is yet to understand his role with the Blaugrana.

"He is tempted by a move to Napoli, where he would reunite with his mentor Rafa Benitez. Barcelona, though, will not be letting go of the player for less than €22m.

"Come January, Mascherano's move to Napoli could be a possibility", the source concluded.

Free Bets? The Latest Odds? Betting Tips? It’s all at Inside Bet!