Liverpool target permanent Mascherano switch
LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes he can fight off overtures from Barcelona and Juventus and sign Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano on a permanent deal.
Benitez is confident about the prospects of completing a 17-million-pound deal for the player but is fully aware he has no control over a third-party's ownership of the Argentinian.
Mascherano, who caused West Ham so much trouble with his contract there, has a similar loan deal at Liverpool, the key difference being that the Anfield club's agreement is within the regulations.
Barcelona and Juventus, as well as Manchester City, have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old in the January transfer window.
"Clearly, I hope Mascherano stays here. We are talking now about this but I have confidence because he tells me he wants to stay," said Benitez.
"I am confident he can be persuaded to stay here. When I spoke to Javier, he told me he wants that, so I have confidence that we will sign him.
"He is playing well and everyone knows he is a good player and there are not too many world-class holding midfielders around.
"He wants to stay, our supporters like him and we will try to keep him."
AFP