Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists he is edging closer to completing the permanent signing of Javier Mascherano despite fresh reports linking the Argentine with a move elsewhere.
Mascherano had expected his future to be decided by the end of last week but with the situation still ongoing, Spanish daily Marca now claims the player has been offered to Barcelona. Benitez said yesterday: "We are closer than we were one week ago but I don't know how close." The 23-year-old remains on loan at Anfield from West Ham, although the player is effectively owned by the sports investment group MSI.
It is just the kind of distraction Benitez does not need following the resumption of rumours about a fresh takeover of the club from a Dubai consortium, and the ongoing possibility of legal action against a Sunday newspaper.
Benitez is still consulting his lawyers over an article referring to the manager's relationship with the club's American owners. Benitez said: "You don't like doing these things but sometimes you have got to protect yourself, and the lawyer will be in contact with them. You can have your own opinion, but when somebody is twisting things you must say stop."
Defender Martin Skrtel is a major doubt for tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Barnsley after he picked up a calf injury in training.
With Daniel Agger recovering from a metatarsal injury, it could mean a place in the squad for Spanish youngster Mikel San Jose.
Mascherano had expected his future to be decided by the end of last week but with the situation still ongoing, Spanish daily Marca now claims the player has been offered to Barcelona. Benitez said yesterday: "We are closer than we were one week ago but I don't know how close." The 23-year-old remains on loan at Anfield from West Ham, although the player is effectively owned by the sports investment group MSI.
It is just the kind of distraction Benitez does not need following the resumption of rumours about a fresh takeover of the club from a Dubai consortium, and the ongoing possibility of legal action against a Sunday newspaper.
Benitez is still consulting his lawyers over an article referring to the manager's relationship with the club's American owners. Benitez said: "You don't like doing these things but sometimes you have got to protect yourself, and the lawyer will be in contact with them. You can have your own opinion, but when somebody is twisting things you must say stop."
Defender Martin Skrtel is a major doubt for tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Barnsley after he picked up a calf injury in training.
With Daniel Agger recovering from a metatarsal injury, it could mean a place in the squad for Spanish youngster Mikel San Jose.
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