Lionel Messi thinks Mascherano could be eyeing a return to Liverpool

Barcelona star thinks Mascherano could be set for stunning Liverpool transfer

Mascherano's time at Barcelona appears to be winding down with the veteran's contract expiring at the end of the current campaign.

The Catalan giants appear to have already found his replacement in the form of Colombian Yerry Mina.

Paris Saint-Germain and the MLS have both been tipped to be his next destination, with Messi resigned to seeing his fellow Argentine depart.

But Spanish website Diario Gol claims Lionel Messi thinks Mascherano could return to Liverpool, the club he left in January 2011.

The 33-year-old signed for the Reds in controversial circumstances back in January 2007.

He had only spent mere months at West Ham, where he was criticised for his abject performances and a biting incident with Jermain Defoe. 

FIFA rules mean a player is not able to play for two clubs within a single season but, despite turning out for the Hammers and Brazilian side Corinthians, he was permitted to join Liverpool anyway. 

Mascherano has won the lot during his time at Barcelona but it appears a parting of the ways could soon be in the offing.

And Diario Gol claims Messi, his close confidant, is aware the player has made up his mind to go.

He is also aware of the offers the player currently has on the table.

Among them are Liverpool who, given his emotional ties to the club, could be in pole position to secure his signature.

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Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the running.

Mascherano appeared to confirm his inevitable departure yesterday.

"The focus is to be happy and the decision I make will depend on how things are going," he told TyC Sports.

"In Barcelona, it is obvious I am not playing at the frequency I played before. 

"I'm still playing, I'm still competing, I'm in a team where every game I play is because I earn it in training, but it's clear there are many times you want to play more.

"I'm not saying that I have to play more, because the starters are two players of the highest level and there is not much more to do there."