Rafa makes Hammers hint
05 Jan 2007 - 16:38:33
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has given a strong hint that he is bidding to sign West Ham United misfit Javier Mascherano.
Benitez refused to actually name the Argentina midfielder as his target, but made reference to a player whose move could be problematic due to him having already registered with two clubs this year.
The Spaniard said: "There are a lot of similar situations with players who have played for three clubs in the same season, in some cases four, so I think it is not a problem.
"We are watching good players and we want to find someone who can add more balance, but at this moment we are focusing on the next game and we are not talking about players."
Mascherano, 22, joined the Hammers in August along with compatriot Carlos Tevez, but has since made just seven appearances for the Upton Park club.
The player had earlier admitted: "I cannot stay at West Ham without playing. At my age, my game will stagnate if I don't play.
"If I am not playing in the West Ham team I will have to leave to continue my career with another team."