ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO has emerged as a potential makeweight in a deal to sell Javier Mascherano to Inter Milan.

Reports in the Italian media suggest Rafael Benitez’s bid to take Argentina captain Mascherano with him from Anfield will now include his fellow countryman Cambiasso moving in the opposite direction.

The San Siro giants have made clear signals Liverpool’s reported asking price of £30million is far too high for Mascherano but are now willing to offer his countryman to help broker the transfer.

Nearing 30-years-old, Cambiasso is likely to have limited years left at the top of the game but having played an integral part in Inter’s treble winning season, which included a Champions League triumph, Liverpool would benefit the midfielder’s proven track record.

However the prospect of making the deal go through would only become reality when a new Liverpool manager is found.

Roy Hodgson remains the favourite to take the Liverpool helm after another club target turned down the offer to take the Anfield reins.

French 1998 World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps has been reported to have rejected the chance to replace Rafael Benitez to instead stay with current club Marseille.