Liverpool midfielder Javier
Mascherano is angling for a move to Barcelona.
The Mail on Sunday says Mascherano has fallen out with
manager Rafa Benitez over his
rotation policy and now wants to leave Anfield.
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 £35million.
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.
