Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafa Benitez confident Javier Mascherano will stay at Liverpool FC
Javier Mascherano 300[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ has confidently declared how he expects Javier Mascherano to follow Pepe Reina's lead and commit his future to Liverpool.[LNB]The Reds midfielder has been offered a two-year extension to his current contract but, effectively, it amounts to a new four-year deal which would expire in 2014.[LNB]Mascherano's future has been the source of some debate for most of the season, particularly as Barcelona vigorously pursued his signature last summer.[LNB]Liverpool officials, though, have been in constant dialogue with Mascherano's advisors and the latest talks, which took place on Thursday, were very positive.[LNB]It has left Benitez bullish that Mascherano will become the latest key figure in his squad - after Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Daniel Agger - to commit his future to Anfield.[LNB]'He is more focused and I know he is happier,' said Benitez. 'I have spoken with his agent and now Javier wants to improve and he wants to push us into the top four.[LNB]'The approach ( to contract talks) is good and he is happy. He is one of the best. He is captain of Argentina, one of the best teams in the world.[LNB]'The conversations we have had were very positive. The first thing is the player. He has really settled down now. Then there is the agent.[LNB]'He's been very good when we have dealt with him in the past. Everyone knew that some clubs were interested in Javier but, talking with us, it was always fine.
