Liverpool's title plans have been thrown into disarray by a standoff between Javier Mascherano and manager Rafa Benitez.
The pair fell out at the end of last season after Benitez rotated the team, leaving Mascherano out of some crucial matches.
The 25-yearold captain of Argentina is now pressing for a move to La Liga,
declaring he is ‘flattered’ by reported interest from Barcelona.
The player’s attempt to force his way out of Anfield has stunned Benitez, who is also having to reconsider letting Xabi Alonso go to Real Madrid for an inflated ￠G35million.
Benitez has always regarded Mascherano as one of his “untouchables” along with Pepe Reina, Steve Gerrard and Fernando Torres. He saved him from rotting in the reserves at West Ham and hopes their past ties will help him talk the player round to staying.
But if Mascherano sticks to his guns, it leaves the Spanish manager needing to re-think his entire summer transfer strategy. Originally he wanted to replace Alonso with long-time target Gareth Barry but needed to rethink when Barry signed for Manchester City.
He was willing to sell Alonso for an inflated ￠G35million to Real Madrid aware he could use the money to strengthen other areas of the team.
But Benitez knows he cannot afford to lose both midfield players if Liverpool are to win their first league title since 1990.
Benitez has faith in young Brazilian midfielder Lucas to play a more significant role next season but will also listen to offers for Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel to strengthen other areas of the team.
He is a confirmed fan of Valencia’s Spanish international David Silva and wants Portsmouth’s £2million centre-half Sylvain Distin to replace Sami Hyypia.
The pair fell out at the end of last season after Benitez rotated the team, leaving Mascherano out of some crucial matches.
The 25-yearold captain of Argentina is now pressing for a move to La Liga,
declaring he is ‘flattered’ by reported interest from Barcelona.
The player’s attempt to force his way out of Anfield has stunned Benitez, who is also having to reconsider letting Xabi Alonso go to Real Madrid for an inflated ￠G35million.
Benitez has always regarded Mascherano as one of his “untouchables” along with Pepe Reina, Steve Gerrard and Fernando Torres. He saved him from rotting in the reserves at West Ham and hopes their past ties will help him talk the player round to staying.
But if Mascherano sticks to his guns, it leaves the Spanish manager needing to re-think his entire summer transfer strategy. Originally he wanted to replace Alonso with long-time target Gareth Barry but needed to rethink when Barry signed for Manchester City.
He was willing to sell Alonso for an inflated ￠G35million to Real Madrid aware he could use the money to strengthen other areas of the team.
But Benitez knows he cannot afford to lose both midfield players if Liverpool are to win their first league title since 1990.
Benitez has faith in young Brazilian midfielder Lucas to play a more significant role next season but will also listen to offers for Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel to strengthen other areas of the team.
He is a confirmed fan of Valencia’s Spanish international David Silva and wants Portsmouth’s £2million centre-half Sylvain Distin to replace Sami Hyypia.
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