Transfer talk (Thursday, 18 June)

They shoot...

Mascherano talks to Barca

Liverpool's Javier Mascherano could be on the verge of handing in a transfer request after the Catalan radio station RAC-1 reported the player's agent had met Barcelona officials in a city hotel last night. Mascherano's representative Walter Tamer is understood to have met Barcelona's Txiki Begiristain and director of football Raül Sanllehy to discuss personal terms. News of the two-hour meeting is likely to anger the Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, who has stated his desire to keep Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

Pete Jenson

Dossena open to move home

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena remains open to a return to Italy after failing to secure a first-team place at Anfield. "If [Juventus] decide to target my client, then we would evaluate the offer," the player's agent, Roberto La Florio, said. "[Dossena] is happy at Liverpool but Juventus is Juventus, and he's a little nostalgic for Italy."

They score...

Wolves capture Hahnemann

Premier League newcomers Wolves have signed the US international Marcus Hahnemann on a 12-month deal. The goalkeeper, 37, had his contract at Reading terminated in May after eight years and 299 games at the Madejski.

They miss...

Arbeloa fears the chop

Alvaro Arbeloa admits he may be on the way to Real Madrid next season, with Glen Johnson likely to arrive at Anfield from Portsmouth. "If an offer arrives Liverpool have to study it to see if it's better for them to sell me now," Arbeloa, who has a year left on his contract, said. "When you sign a contract at any club it's important to know the role you'll have in the team."

Ian Herbert