Javier Mascherano’s experience with Argentina has reduced him to tears twice in the space of a year but at Barcelona, rarely has he felt such pain. Last season Mascherano and Barcelona celebrated a historic treble but there are reports suggesting that the 31-year-old general is looking for a fresh challenge and Italy is his next target.

Gustavo Mascardi, who claims to work with Mascherano’s agents, Walter Tamer and Adrian Alejandro Barbini has claimed that he has already entered discussions with Italian clubs in an attempt to seal a move to Serie A for El Jefecito.

Speaking with the Gazzetta dello Sport, Mascardi said: “In the last few weeks, I’ve spoken with Mascherano and Tamer, one of his agents.

“They asked me to try to find a great Serie A team for him because Javier would like to finish his European career winning something with an Italian club.”There are no problems with Barcelona. Indeed, there, he’s a leader.

“Simply, Mascherano, like many Argentines of his age, grew up following the Italian league and having played in England and won everything in Spain, now he is drawn to an Italian adventure. It’s not a question of money. He has already rejected big offers from the Premier League and Ligue 1.

“Javier has a great relationship with the president of Barcelona [Josep Maria Bartomeu] and he has great faith that, given everything he has given for the Blaugrana jersey, there would be no obstacles put in his way if there was a big offer from Serie A.

“But if not, he will continue to fight, like always, for Barcelona.”

Mascardi later divulged that he has spoken with Roma, Juventus and both great Milan clubs with all four interested in signing the versatile defensive midfielder.

Serie A champions Juventus are reportedly keen, particularly after the injury to Sami Khedira, and director general, Guiseppe Marotta has already spoken with Barcelona. This was initially rejected but Mascardi said that he has since met Barcelona international sporting director Ariedo Braida and they could now accept Mascherano’s request to switch to Italy.

Mascardi admitted he was due to meet with officials from Roma amid interest from AC Milan and city rivals Internazionale but admitted: “No team is in pole position, at the moment Inter with [sporting director Piero] Ausilio are the team which has come forward more than the others, but no-one is in pole position.

“The situation is clear, and the transfer window is open. Anything could happen, or nothing could happen.”

There has been nothing official from Mascherano, Barcelona or any of these Italian clubs and so at this stage it is nothing more than transfer window gossip. However, if Mascherano is genuinely seeking a new challenge after winning everything possible in Spain, then you can expect a real fight for his signature.

Mascherano has three years left on his current deal, having signed a new deal not too long ago, and so there has been no mention of a transfer fee at this time. A 31-year-old with over 100 international caps, a cabinet full of winners medals and the ability to play in midfield or defence would be a prized asset for any team in Europe.