Gerrard to stay but Mascherano future uncertain

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has played down talk of captain Steven Gerrard leaving Liverpool but the picture concerning Argentina skipper Javier Mascherano is unclear.The pair, who have not begun pre-season training yet, have been linked with moves elsewhere. Gerrard is rumoured to be a target of Real Madrid while Mascherano's agent has claimed Inter Milan are interested in his client.Hodgson said: "I have met with Steven and thought the talks were positive. We are in a situation where we hear our players are being courted by other teams but it is all just rumours."What we haven't had is a club wanting to buy Steven Gerrard. Steven Gerrard is not for sale - I made that clear to him. I told him I supported the club's policy that we don't want to sell our best players and have to start building again."He added: "I have tried to contact Javier. I have left him voice messages and sent him texts but had no reply. To be fair to him, that's not unusual because he's had a tough World Cup and I believe he's gone back to Argentina."It's not always easy to get in touch with people. I have tried to reach him to make clear I am happy to talk with him at his convenience."