Javier Mascherano
Despite Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson saying that he would ideally like to hold on to Javier Mascherano , it appears that the defensive midfielder is poised to sign for Barcelona .
According to the Argentine newspaper, Olé, the two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee of 15 million euros plus former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb.
And according to the Spanish AS newspaper, Mascherano’s compatriots, Diego Milito and Lionel Messi, had long been urging Pep Guardiola to snap up the midfield hard-man – although the Barcelona coach probably didn’t need much convincing, recently calling Mascherano a player “with the same force as Carles Puyol," and someone who “handles it all."
The 26-year-old had earlier said that should his move to Barcelona fall through, he would give everything to Liverpool .
"I have no wish to move to any other club in England,” he was quoted as saying in the Sun.
"If I have to continue playing for Liverpool , I will do as I am a professional.
"This isn't about Liverpool , it's a private situation. If I can go to another country, maybe it will be better for my life and family."