Mascherano likely to stay as price puts Inter off

The chances of Liverpool's Javier Mascherano joining the European champions Inter Milan look remote, club president Massimo Moratti said yesterday.

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The chances of Liverpool's Javier Mascherano joining the European champions Inter Milan look remote, club president Massimo Moratti said yesterday. But negotiations are still ongoing regarding Manchester City target Mario Balotelli, who is set to make his Italy debut in tonight's friendly with Ivory Coast in London. "There have been no big steps forward, we will see," Moratti added about a deal to sell his rebellious teenage striker.

If Inter do not sell during a quiet transfer window generally in Europe then moves for Argentina captain Mascherano and Genoa midfielder Giuseppe Sculli will not go ahead, especially with Liverpool wanting big money for the former. "At these prices it's not possible at this moment, especially having not sold anyone," Moratti said. Inter have also halted talks with Real Madrid about selling Maicon. Jose Mourinho, the new Real coach who guided Inter to an unprecedented Italian treble last term, was keen to take Maicon, the Brazil right-back, with him to the Bernabeu but a deal has not been reached.

"Personally I consider him such a good player that maybe I've decided not to sell him," Moratti said. "I have pulled the player out of any transfer talks." Meanwhile, the Everton manager David Moyes says he will only sell players if the club needs to raise money and that is not the case. Speculation continues about midfielder Steven Pienaar, who is in the final year of his contract. However, Moyes, buoyed by securing Mikel Arteta's long-term future on a new five-year contract, insists he plans to keep the unit together.

"We don't need money. We are happy to keep the squad and move along and I think the team we have has got a really good chance of doing well." * Agencies