Source: Daily_Mail
Bring me Javier! Liverpool star still No 1 target for Barca boss Guardiola
Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has told his bosses that he still wants Javier Mascherano at the heart of his midfield by the start of the season.
The European champions had all but conceded that a deal for the Liverpool midfielder was impossible following Xabi Alonso's defection from Anfield to Real Madrid for £30million.
But Guardiola met with technical secretary Txiki Begeristain and director of football Raul Sanllehi to say the Argentina captain is still his No 1 target for the problem holding midfield position.
Mascherano is keen on a move to Spain with his agent Walter Tamer last month revealing the former West Ham United man had become 'tired of life in England'.
Guardiola is understood to have been in personal contact with the 25-year-old.
Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen has been considered as an alternative, while Manchester City's Vincent Kompany could provide cover as both a centre-half and midfielder, but Guardiola believes they do not compare to Mascherano.
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas remains a long-term target, but he is seen as a more attacking player who would ideally play in front of Mascherano, alongside Xavi, with Andres Iniesta moved to a position on the left wing. Many Nou Camp insiders are confident Fabregas will sign next summer.
Guardiola held talks with Begiristain, Sanllehi and Barca vice-president Rafael Yuste at the Four Seasons hotel in Seattle on Wednesday morning, ahead of a 4-0 victory over hometown club The Sounders.
Begiristain has lined up a number of alternatives after a frustrating summer in the market and has proposed Manchester United's Jonny Evans as a potential recruit.
Mascherano, Shakhtar Donetk defender Dmitro Chygrynskiy and Valencia left winger Juan Mata.
Benitez will resist any move for Mascherano and has quoted valuations of £40m-£50m to scare off suitors.
But the former River Plate and Corinthians player's wish to leave could put further pressure on Liverpool, who have already looked at Denmark international Poulsen themselves.
