Mascherano: Deal is close
02 Dec 2007 - 13:09:51
Javier Mascherano claims he is close to agreeing a permanent deal to remain at Liverpool.
The Argentina international is currently on loan at Anfield following his unhappy spell with West Ham United last season and has already agreed terms on a reported five-year contract.
The transfer is still awaiting the approval of the club's co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but Mascherano doesn't believe manager Rafa Benitez's recent spat with the Americans will scupper his chances of putting pen to paper.
The 23-year-old midfielder also believes Benitez will remain at the club despite speculation that his fall out with Hicks and Gillett will lead to the Spaniard's departure.
The trio are set for talks when the American owners arrive at Anfield on December 16 to watch the Premier League clash with bitter rivals Manchester United.
"It's very important for me Rafa stays as manager. He gave me a great opportunity when I came to Liverpool," Mascherano told the News of the World.
"I don't want to talk about the problem Rafa has with Liverpool. They have to talk, but it's a problem that can be resolved.
"I think Rafa will stay because the team is good and we are in a good position in the Champions League and Premier League.
"We were talking about the situation with the club and I think everything is now very close.
"But we need to wait because in the last week Liverpool have another situation.
"I don't know if my situation will be resolved before 16th December.
"I'm happy to wait until then because I want to stay here.
"I'm waiting for the solution and then I'm sure I will stay here."