CHRISTIAN POULSEN’S move to Anfield has hit a stumbling block with Liverpool unable to afford his arrival until Javier Mascherano departs.

Discussions have been ongoing with Juventus midfielder Poulsen after the player was earmarked as a replacement for the wantaway Mascherano.

The 30-year-old, who it is understood has been offered a three-year contract, was given permission to withdraw from Denmark’s squad for the game against Germany after Liverpool agreed a fee of around £6million for his services.

However, the deal can only go through once funds have been raised by the departure of Mascherano, the saga of which took another twist yesterday. Follow our Twitter LFC updates by clicking here.

The Argentine informed Liverpool last month of his desire to leave and is strongly tipped to be reunited with former Anfield manager Rafael Benitez at Inter.

However, the Serie A side are stalling over a bid for the player, who has been handed a £25million price tag by Liverpool, because they have not yet raised sufficient funds by the sale of Mario Balotelli to Manchester City.

Now an agent representing Mascherano in Spain has stated the 26-year-old wants a move to Barcelona.