Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool boss claims Mascherano is close to agreeing new Anfield deal
Contract talks with Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano are edging closer toa resolution but manager Rafael Benitez accepts there is still a little morework to do. [LNB]The two parties have been talking over a new deal for the Argentina captain forsome time and Benitez is confident the matter will be resolved to both theirsatisfaction. [LNB]Mascherano, whose current contract still has nearly two years to run, was atarget for Barcelona last summer and Liverpool are keen to tie him to a newlong-term contract to prevent another close season of speculation, especially ina World Cup year. [LNB] New deal: Javier Mascherano[LNB]Spain goalkeeper Jose Reina will sign his new deal in the next three weeks tojoin the likes of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger incommitting their future to the Reds. [LNB]'We were talking, progressing and we're closer now. Still we need to talk alittle bit but we are closer,' said Benitez. [LNB]'It would be very important for the club. We have some important players withsome years left on their contracts and this could be another one. It's veryimportant that we're keeping the spine of the team. [LNB]Row: Benitez and Riera[LNB]'Every fan knows he's a very important player for us, a key player who's goodfor team spirit. He's an example for a lot of players. [LNB]'He shows every game his commitment, desire and passion. He has greatcharacter, but he can also play. He's a player every manager would like to havein their team.' [LNB]Less clear is the future of winger Albert Riera, who last week was suspendedfor his outspoken comments about Benitez and the club, which he described as a 'sinking ship'. [LNB]Riera will be further disciplined - in the form of a fine - by the club laterthis week when he returns to training. [LNB]But such was Benitez's anger at the content and timing of the Spaininternational's remarks - coming on the eve of the crucial Europa League last-16second tie at home to Lille - there is still a possibility the player could behastily jettisoned. [LNB]Riera, who has a Russian wife, has been linked with a move to CSKA Moscow andalso Spartak Moscow as the Russian league's transfer window does not close untilnext month.[LNB] Carragher vows Liverpool will finish fourth despite 10th defeat of nightmare seasonFerdinand basks in glory of winning 'bragging rights' back from Liverpool Juventus step up Benitez pursuit and plot to snare Torres and Mascherano Lille ace Hazard admits he's flattered by Arsenal and Liverpool interest [LNB]
