Javier Mascherano's advisers have reportedly
negotiated salary terms with Barcelona in advance of a transfer fee
being agreed with Liverpool.
The Sunday Express also claims that the Reds are holding out for
£36million from the European champions for their star Argentina
international midfielder, but are likely to accept £30million at
the end of the season.
If true, the news of Mascherano's impending departure will come
as another blow to Anfield fans who have already seen their team
slump to seventh in the Premier League table after 12 games and
stand on the brink of Champions League elimination.
The Sunday Express report says the defensive midfielder has set
his heart on a move to the Nou Camp and would prefer to switch
clubs in January, but the Reds intend to keep hold of him until at
least the summer transfer window.
Regardless of Mascherano's exit date, recent talks between his
agents and the Spanish giants are said to have concluded in a
£100,000-a-week wage agreement. The tough-tackling 25-year-old
currently earns around £60,000-a-week on Merseyside, with his
contract due to expire in 2012, and has rejected offers of a new
£90,000-a-week deal.
Barca are also seeking to sign Manchester City forward Robinho,
who is keen to return to Spain having failed to settle in
England.
