Reports in the Italian media suggest that Inter Milan are set to offer Sulley Muntari to Liverpool in exchange for Javier Mascherano.

The Argentina captain has made no secret of his desire to follow the example of Rafa Benitez by swapping Anfield for the San Siro, and Inter are preparing a bid to tempt the Reds into parting with their wantaway midfielder.

According to Goal.com, Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti is not keen on meeting the Merseysider’s transfer value of the player – thought to be in the region of £25 million – and will instead offer Muntari as well as a lump sum.

The figure of £12.5 million being reported would certainly then provide Roy Hodgson with added financial clout as he looks to further improve his squad, while Ghana international Muntari could add some extra dynamism to his midfield.

Jose Mourinho made Muntari one of his first signings upon taking the reigns at the Giueseppe Meazza in 2008 after sealing a deal thought to be in the region of €16 million for the Portsmouth player.

However, the departure of Mourinho to Real Madrid has seen the 25-year-old fall further down the pecking order, and he has been told he is no longer in Inter’s plans.

Any potential deal is expected to be concluded by the end of next week after Hodgson revealed that Mascherano, 26, had made it clear that he wanted to leave.

"Yes, he wants to leave the club," confirmed Hodgson yesterday.

"He has made that perfectly clear. I think he wanted to leave a year ago.”