Source: Daily_Mail
Javier Mascherano set for Liverpool exit as Hodgson claims Barcelona have 'turned his head'
Angry Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson last night accused Barcelona of 'turning the head' of Javier Mascherano as the Merseyside club found themselves embroiled in a bitter and desperate battle to keep hold of the Argentine midfielder.[LNB]Mascherano was left out - declaring himself unavailable after Liverpool turned down a £16m offer from the Catalan giants. In his absence, Hodgson's team were swept aside by City who wrapped up their first win of the League season. [LNB] Waving goodbye? Javier Mascherano appears to have played his last game for Liverpool, despite manager Roy Hodgson (below right) insisting he won't let the Argentine go unless the right fee is agreed[LNB]Afterwards, Hodgson warned Mascherano that he may not get his move to the Nou Camp but did not contradict suggestions that negotiations with Barcelona were being conducted without his consent by the Anfield board. [LNB]The Liverpool manager said: 'Mascherano was not in the right frame of mind to play. His head has been turned. But he should know that the fee we would want and the fee we have been offered by Barcelona are some distance apart. [LNB]'That being the case, it could be that he is unhappy for a long time yet.' [LNB]Barcelona's bid is understood to have included the former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb as a makeweight. Liverpool would prefer a straight cash deal. [LNB]Having missed out on a move to Inter Milan, Mascherano has now got his heart set on a move to Spain and decided to make a stand yesterday in a bid to force Liverpool's hand. [LNB]Hodgson added: 'The discussions are being held at a high level and I don't want to say things that will create headlines. [LNB]'It's not the first time these things have happened and there are a lot of clubs at the moment suffering from their players being courted and players therefore being unhappy and fulfilled to require their contracts.'[LNB]Liverpool are weighing up a free transfer move for Real Madrid midfielder Mahmadou Diarra should they sell Mascherano.[LNB]The powerful 29-year-old is one of four players earmarked for sale by Jose Mourinho and Real had slapped a £6m price tag on him. However, it is understood they will now allow him to leave on a free transfer for the right club. [LNB]Agent Frederic Guerra said: 'Mahmadou is still a top player and he can do a great job in the Premier League. There is a lot of interest.'[LNB]Manchester United and Blackburn have also been credited with interest but Liverpool would be his preferred option.[LNB] Javier Mascherano exit is price Liverpool pay for missing out on Champions League Sign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsManchester City 3 Liverpool 0: Sheik, rattle and roll - Tevez seals win as City owner turns up Jamie Redknapp delivers his verdict on Manchester City's win over Liverpool at Eastlands LIVERPOOL FC
