Thursday, June 11, 2009

Liverpool Will Not Sell Mascherano - Rafa Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has moved quickly to dismiss speculation linking Javier Mascherano with a move to Barcelona, insisting his player is not available at any price.

Comments from Mascherano's representative Walter Tamer, reported by UK newspaper The Sun yesterday, suggested the midfielder would welcome an approach from the Champions League and Primera Liga champions.

But Benitez was quick to quash any talk of the Argentine leaving Anfield this summer.

"Mascherano has no price," Benitez told the club's official website.

"Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool Football Club.

"I have spoken to Javier two or three times this summer – the last time was only last week – and he was very happy, very positive."

Benitez went on to declare his surprise in seeing the story emerge yesterday.

"Walter (Tamer) told me that two clubs with big, big names were asking after Mascherano – and I told him to forget it, that Javier was happy in Liverpool and he was not for sale.

"So I was surprised to see the agent's comments today.

"He has a long contract and any club can forget about bidding for him. They can offer £40m or even £50m, we don’t want to sell."

Mascherano first arrived in England with West Ham United, along with fellow countryman Carlos Tevez.

After an unhappy spell at Upton Park though, the Argentine international was snapped up by Liverpool and has become vital to the Premier League runners-up.

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