United interested in Mascherano

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is interested in bringing Barcelona's Javier Mascherano to Old Trafford in a bid to strengthen his midfield.

Mascherano is a defensive midfielder, but Pep Guardiola has preferred Sergio Busquets for that position and has often played Mascherano out of position as a centre-back.

Reports claim that Mascherano is fed up at being played in the defence and would welcome a move to United, where he can play in his natual position.

Although Mascherano has a contract till 2014, Ferguson will make a £23 million offer for the Argentina international in an attempt to lure him to Manchester.