Mascherano is one the Spaniard’s top transfer targets for the summer.
New Napoli boss Rafael Benitez wants to sign former Liverpool and current Barcelona star Javier Mascherano in a bid to improve his squad, reports Football Italia.
The Argentinian played under Benitez for three years at Anfield before making £17.6m move to Barca in the summer of 2010.
Now it looks as if the Spanish manager wants to sign Mascherano for the second time in his career after he paid £19.8m for the defender/midfielder back in 2007.
The 28-year-old has become a key figure at the Nou Camp during his three years at the club and has been switched to a central defensive role with the Catalans, having played in a midfield position for Benitez.
A deal would therefore prove difficult for the Argentina international, but the 53-year-old is extremely keen to bring him to the Stadio San Paolo and will do all he can to get the deal to go through.
Mascherano has played 141 times for Barca during his three years at the club and has picked up two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and one Champions League trophy.
Yet with the Catalans reportedly in the market for new defensive options the four-time European champions could well be open to offers for their centre-back.
Benitez is clearly a fan of his former player and he would certainly bring a wealth of experience to the Serie A runners-up having also played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups – the latter as captain.
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