Their interest in the Argentine seemed to have waned over recent weeks, but according to the British newspapers has been revived in the final days of the transfer session.

“I sent an offer to Liverpool by fax on Tuesday and I am waiting for a reply from them," Branca was quoted as saying in The Sun.

"We're not speaking to the player at the moment because we want to do this in the right way and make sure that Liverpool are happy.

"Everybody knows that Mascherano would like to change team and to change country. He also has a good relationship with our manager Rafa Benitez.

"We've made a very good offer, around the amount they are asking for. We have a strong team here, the best in Europe, but we would like to add one or two players to make us even stronger."

Barcelona had also been linked with Mascherano, who was left out of Liverpool’s games against Trabzonspor and Manchester City.

The 26-year-old is eager to leave England, but manager Roy Hodgson warned he won’t be released for less than the £20m price-tag.