Liverpool FC

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Liverpool agree Mascherano sale

27 Aug 2010 - 07:53:19

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Liverpool have agreed terms with Barcelona for the sale of midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The unsettled Argentina captain has already discussed personal terms with the Spanish club after they agreed a pay a fee in the region of £18million.

"Liverpool Football Club have agreed terms for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to FC Barcelona," confirmed a brief club statement.

"The Spanish club have now been given permission to speak to the Argentina midfielder."

Internazionale, who are now managed by former Reds boss Rafael Benitez, were also interested, but Barcelona appear to have won the race to sign the South American.

Mascherano had looked set to leave Anfield after informing new manager Roy Hodgson of his desire to move on following his return from the World Cup.

The 26-year-old midfielder joined the Reds three and a half years ago from West Ham United and made 139 appearances while on Merseyside.

He will now sign a four-year contract at the Camp Nou subject to passing a medical over the weekend.

A statement on the Barcelona website read: "FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to the club for the next four seasons.

"The deal was closed after intensive efforts made by the club in the final hours and through the player himself in the negotiations.

"Barcelona will report the details of the operation once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded.

"It is hoped Javier Mascherano will arrive in Barcelona this weekend."