Inter offer Muntari for Masch

Inter Milan claim they have joined Barcelona in the bidding for Javier Mascherano.

Inter are already trying to lure Dirk Kuyt to the San Siro and sporting director Marco Branca claims they have faxed an offer for Mascherano to Anfield.

The Champions League holders' bid is believed to be £12million plus Sulley Muntari.

Inter's claims fly in the face of Roy Hodgson's assertion that Inter president Massimo Moratti promised him in a phone call last week that they were not after any Liverpool players.

Hodgson stood by this last night when questioned about Inter's interest, claiming Rafa Benitez promised when he left Anfield that he would not return for any of his former players.

Liverpool are also not keen on player- plus-cash deals and want straight cash for Mascherano, who is desperate to quit the club to be with his family.

Inter's involvement could work to Liverpool's advantage in pushing up the price for Mascherano towards the Reds' £20million valuation.

Mascherano was left on Merseyside yesterday when Liverpool flew to Turkey for tonight's Europa League play-off with Trabzonspor after he refused to play against Manchester City on Monday.

Liverpool want a swift resolution to his situation and Hodgson claims he will play him against West Brom on Sunday if he is still a Liverpool player.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.