Napoli face obstacles in pursuit of Barcelona star
A move would see the defensive midfielder, often utilised in a central defensive role for the Catalan club, reunited with his former manager at Liverpool, Rafael Benitez.
Reports in Il Mattino suggest that Napoli have been in regular contact with the 29-year-old and that the Argentine may even be prepared to take a pay cut in order to force through a move.
However, Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino is said to value Mascherano at €20 million, and is reluctant to let him leave the Nou Camp before finding a replacement to partner Gerard Pique in defence.
A final obstacle is reportedly regarding the player’s desire to retain his image rights, which is against the club policy set by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.