Source: Daily_Mail
Mascherano puts Barca on red alert as midfielder remains coy over future
Javier Mascherano has added to manager Rafa Benitez's growing problems after the combative midfielder failed to distance himself from speculation that he will seek a move away from Anfield in the wake of the Liverpool's Champions League exit.[LNB]The Spaniard slapped a £50million price tag on the Argentina captain in the summer when Mascherano, who has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract,emerged as a transfer target for reigning European champions Barcelona.[LNB]Red alert: Javier Mascherano kisses the Liverpool badge but for how much longer at Anfield?[LNB]However, an early Champions League exit and a faltering Barclays Premier Leaguecampaign have not helped convince the Argentinian he wants to remain at Anfield long-term and the Catalan club could renew their interest when the window re-opens.[LNB]Despite Benitez speaking positively at the weekend about the club's continued discussions with the 25-year-old regarding the possibility of extending his stay on Merseyside, the player himself was less forthcoming.[LNB]He said: 'I just talk about football - not about contracts or money. I want to play.[LNB]'I am playing for Liverpool, I am a Liverpool player and, like the manager says, I have two more years on my contract so I think I don't have to say anything else.[LNB] 'I play for Liverpool and will continue playing and trying to give my best.'[LNB]While it may come as a timely reminder to Barcelona and fellow elite European clubs, Liverpool may now have to sweat over the Argentinian's possible Januart departure.[LNB] Is that what The Kop's been waiting for? The AA man cannot fix Reds engineLiverpool plan to swap flop Ryan Babel for Spurs misfit Roman PavlyuchenkoLIVERPOOL FC
