Source: Daily_Mail
Mascherano's Barca dream adds to the pain for Liverpool boss Benitez
Javier Mascherano appears determined to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, further adding to the woes of Rafa Benitez, with Barcelona still his preferred destination.
Having already lost one holding midfielder to Spain with Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid, the loss of Argentina's captain would be a bitter blow.
Mascherano understood he was close to a move to the European champions in the summer and his loyalty to Liverpool now seems to be purely professional rather than emotional.
'I talked with Rafa but nothing happened,'said Mascherano. 'I am here. I have to play for Liverpool. I have to give my best; sometimes I do and sometimes I don't play as well as I can.'
With two years left on his contract at the end of this season, Liverpool will need to sell him in the summer if they wish to recoup the maximum transfer fee possible, which will clearly influence the decision of Liverpool's managing director Christian Purslow.
The only hope of retaining Mascherano would be if Barca dropped their interest. With all Nou Camp efforts directed at signing Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas next summer, who will cost at least £25million, Mascherano may find that he is a mere secondary midfield target.
