Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has stated that
Javier Mascherano is not for sale at any price.
The midfielder's agent, Walter Tamer, said on Tuesday that
Mascherano would be open to joining Barcelona, should the European
champions make an approach.
And Benitez has confirmed that Tamer has informed him of
interest from two clubs in the Argentina international's
services.
However, Spanish coach Benitez has no intention of letting
Mascherano leave Anfield, and has warned any potential suitors off
making a bid.
"Mascherano has no price," Benitez told the club's official
website.
"Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool
football club.
"We do not want to sell and Javier is very happy here.
"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.
"He gave me the private number of his agent, Walter Tamer, and
again the conversation was very positive and was all about
football.
"Walter 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."
skysports.
