Chelsea: Blues weigh up Mascherano move

Barcelona's Javier Mascherano in action against AC MIlan in the Champions League. Mandatory credit: Action Images.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is understood to be lining up a move for Barcelona's Javier Mascherano this January.
The Blues boss is concerned by his side's defensive performances of late, with the Stamford Bridge outfit conceding seven goals in their last three Premier League games.

Chelsea have been linked with a number of central defenders in recent times, and SportsDirect News understands that Mascherano appeals to Mourinho due to his ability to fill in in defence or as a defensive midfielder.
The Argentine spent much of his career in midfield as a shield for the back four, though he has mostly been used as a centre-back since joining Barcelona from Liverpool in 2010.

He has recently been linked with a move to Napoli, though Chelsea could now enter the race for his signature as they look to strengthen their squad and tighten up at the back.
With his former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez now in charge of Napoli, it remains to be seen if Mascherano himself would favour the move to Italy over a return to England.