Napoli Manager Rafael Benitez Chasing Barcelona Midfielder

Serie A side monitoring Mascherano situation.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is keen to reunite himself with Javier Mascherano at Napoli this season, according to Forza Italian Football.

The Argentine was a key performer for Benitez in their days together at Anfield, and his future at current club Barcelona has come under some doubt recently, following their pursuit of Chelsea defender David Luiz.

Mascherano has often been played out of position in defence at the Nou Camp, and would relish the opportunity to return to midfield again at Napoli. He may also find first-team opportunities harder to come by in both defence and midfield if Barca do manage to sign Luiz.

Napoli have money to spend this summer following the lucrative sale of star striker Edinson Cavani to PSG, and have already made some astute signings in Real Madrid pair Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon.

A midfielder is also said to be on Benitez’s agenda, and he has already reportedly failed in an attempt to sign another one of his former players, Lucas Leiva, still of Liverpool.

Mascherano has hinted that he could leave Barcelona this summer, and has also been linked with a possible return to Anfield.