Real Madrid, Barcelona battle for Mascherano

River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano has emerged as a target for bitter rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Argentina international is a major target for Real as they seek to find a midfield anchor to add steel to their present line-up.

Barca are also in for Mascherano after a spate of midfield injuries suffered since the start of the season.

Complicating matters is Deportivo La Coruna, which is believed to have struck a preliminary agreement with River for the 21 year-old ahead of the January market.