As reported earlier, Meireles has now completed his Liverpool move and has spoken to the press about his dream move to England.

“It has been a long time coming but finally I have achieved my dream of playing in England.

“Liverpool are an historic club and I am happy for the move. Roy Hodgson was key because he worked so hard to get me.

“I hope the fans will one day remember me for my success at Liverpool.”

Meireles is expected to be unveiled in the next couple of hours at Anfield ahead of today’s game against West Brom.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano has also been reflecting on his Liverpool years and the new challenge at Barcelona.

“I showed at Liverpool that I am always 100 per cent professional and nobody can doubt that.

“Against Manchester City I was not right to play. I spoke with the coach and he understood my position. It was better for the team.

“I have never had any problems with the new coach – I accepted his orders and Roy Hodgson would confirm it.

“My team-mates knew it was my decision and did not say anything about it to me.”

“Liverpool will always be in my heart, but my time there has finished and now it is time for a new challenge.

“I have not left Liverpool to join Barcelona for money, just for sporting reasons. The Barca project is very exciting. They have been interested in me in the past and this second opportunity to join them was impossible to reject.

“I will for ever be grateful to Liverpool for what they did for me, but I have done all I can for them on the pitch in return.

“The fans were always brilliant with me and now I must wait to see if they view my exit negatively. That is football.”

Roy Hodgson referred to the Mascherano departure in his pre-match press conference.

‘It was a complicated situation, to be fair to him. But it’s not easy to defend his actions, because professionals are paid to play and, when called on to do so, they should.

‘I don’t think players mean it as a challenge to your authority, or the club’s. But it’s a selfish situation, where they want to do something and expect the club and me, in my position as one of the leaders of the club, to bow down and accept that they are going to get their way. Unfortunately, there will then be periods when there is a bit of unpleasantness.

‘Players must also understand when you sign contracts, you do so to play. If the club decide they’re going to accept an offer and let you go that’s one thing. If, however, they say “you have a contract, we’re not selling”, then you stay.

‘It doesn’t bother me as a challenge to my authority. It’s just a fact of life, one that gets exacerbated for a month in January and two or three in the summer.

According to reports from the Portugese radio station Renascença, Liverpool will move to bring in 27 year old Portugese international Raul Meireles in a deal for roughly £10.6M.

Meireles has spent his whole career in Portugal, starting at Aves, before a stint at Boavista, then on to his present club FC Porto in 2004.

He has 4 consecutive title medals in his locker and has become an important part of Porto’s central midfield.

Liverpool waved goodbye earlier in the day to Javier Mascherano, who is set to be granted his long term wish of a move to Barcelona. The Catalan giants finally agreed a fee with Liverpool for £17M, less than the amount the reds paid to rescue the current Argentine captain from West Ham back in 2007.

Rumours also heavily indicate that Fulham’s left back Paul Konchesky will be arriving on Merseyside this weekend for a medical with the club, despite assurances that Hodgson would not raid his former club.  The reds have been weakened over the summer at left back and Daniel Agger had to fill in last Monday, despite suffering with concussion.

There could be a trade off however – as Fulham are keen on two of Liverpool’s most promising youngsters – Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniclic.

Mascherano can only look on as Germany tear Argentina apart

Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez have been added to the list of Liverpool players leaving the World Cup after Argentina were gunned down 4-0 by Germany in the World Cup Quarter Finals.

Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina moved a step closer to the World Cup final when a David Villa goal saw Spain progress 1-0 against Paraguay.  Spain will now face the ruthless looking German side in the semi-final.

Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel are the only other two Liverpool players already through to the semi-final, which they will play against Uruguay.

Javier Mascherano has been amongst those most heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer and his early exit will only increase speculation about a move to Barcelona or Inter Milan.

According to media reports Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres and Emiliano Insua are the reds most likely to head out of Anfield this summer.

Milan Jovanovic, due to arrive on a free transfer after the World Cup, could damage Liverpool’s striker shortage even more by instead following Rafa to Inter Milan.  It is understood that Liverpool Football Club have not contacted the player since Rafa was forced out 19 days ago.

Insua’s is believed to be targeted by Fiorentina, Fernando Torres by Barcelona and Javier Mascherano, currently captaining his country and learning Italian, is a target of both Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Speculation suggests that Barcelona are interested in Fernando Torres at around £38M.

With Liverpool still managerless, and with some players’ World Cup campaigns ending soon it appears that speculation will only intensify.

Dirk Kuyt could be a transfer target for Rafa once more

Speculation has been mounting for days concerning the future of Javier Mascherano.  It is well known that Mascherano and Benitez have a lot of mutual respect and the Argentine captain’s recent statements suggesting only Benitez could follow in Mourinho’s footsteps at Inter will have pleased our former manager.

As Benitez prepares to be unveiled at the current European Champions Inter Milan reports in today’s Mail suggest that not only will Mascherano be a target but also Dirk Kuyt.

According to the press Inter Milan will make a joint bid of £33M for both players, although the World Cup will no doubt complicate factors.

Dirk Kuyt said:

‘I don’t know for sure who is going to be in charge at Inter, but Benitez is a fantastic coach and would be a great choice for them.

‘Working with him is perfect and I am grateful for all he did for me. I was delighted when he asked me to join him at Liverpool, and while we were together, he gave me a lot of good suggestions about how I could improve my game.

‘He was good for my career. I have read a lot about what might happen now, if he goes to Inter, but I am just concentrating on the World Cup.

‘That is important, because I want to have a good tournament. I have a contract with Liverpool, and I have to respect that, because they are a big club and have been good to me.’

Rumours from Italy have suggested that Inter will have about £50M to spend this summer on new players.

Left to Right: Mascherano, Rodriguez, Katherine Jenkins....

Five of Liverpool’s first team players had an impressive evening for their national sides.

England, after withstanding some excellent play from Mexico, ran out 3-1 winners at Wembley in their final game on English soil before the World Cup.

Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson both started the match.  Despite Gerrard suffering head injury which resulted in him receiving some off pitch treatment, the Liverpool captain had a big hand in England’s two first half goals. One from a corner and one from a free kick.

In the second half Jamie Carragher came on for his first England appearance for over 3 years, taking his place in the centre. Early in the second half Glen Johnson scored his debut goal for his country.  After breaking through the Mexican midfield he hit a left footed shot from outside the box.

He was awarded the man of the match for his efforts during the game.

Over in Argentina, Mascherano led out his side to face Canada in a World Cup warm up.  In the 16th minute Maxi Rodriguez fired a free kick in to the Canadian net.  Before the half was out Rodriguez added another before being substituted at half time.

Argentina won 5-0. Video of all the goals (Maxi scored the first two, below)

Liverpool’s Argentine midfielder will not be discussing contract talks with the club until after the World Cup.

Back in February there was discussions as the player appeared keen to sign a new contract. However, the reds failure to ‘seal the deal’ and with Mascherano now having been released to Argentina for the World Cup preparations, it means that the reds will be sweating on one of their big midfield names.

The reds should have been keen to avoid the situation of Xabi Alonso which hampered the pre-season preparation last summer.

Liverpool are set to return to pre-season training literally days following the World Cup.  The first Europa League qualifying fixture is set for the 29th July, just over two weeks following the World Cup – effectively meaning some players will have very little time off in the summer.

Speculation is mounting that the Liverpool board are keen on Mascherano having a good tournament to inflate his selling value.

Argentine captain and Liverpool midfielder, Javier Mascherano, expects to sign an extended contract at Liverpool in the upcoming weeks.

The media have speculated on moves away for Masch for the past 12 months but it seems the player wants to stay at Anfield.

The 25 year old midfielder said:

“The club are talking with my agents.

“I don’t like to be involved in the contract meetings so I leave that to my agents and the people at the club. Liverpool know I want to stay. I don’t think it will be difficult to arrive at a deal and we will see what happens in the next few weeks.”

“I have never said I was not happy at Liverpool, that was the press. I am happy here and the only way I can show that is with my performances on the pitch.

“I always try to do everything I can to help my team-mates and manager. Sometimes I can do well and sometimes I can’t, but I always look to give 100 per cent in training and in games.”

Liverpool initially brought the player to Anfield from West Ham on a 12 month loan deal in February 2007.  The reds completed the signing of the player from Media Sports Investment (MSI) a year later for £18M (this figure included both transfer fee and wages for his 4 year deal – making the transfer fee approximately £10M).

His existing contract was due to expire in February 2012.  Liverpool are also hoping to complete a contract extension for Pepe Reina in the next few weeks.

After sealing a contract extension for Pepe Reina earlier this week, Rafa Benitez is now stepping up in his pursuit of an extended contract for Javier Mascherano.

The Argentine was widely linked with a move to a big money move to Barcelona last summer before Rafa intervened insisting Barcelona couldn’t afford the player.

Javier’s contract is due to expire in February 2012 and the reds are keen to ensure he stays at Anfield with an extension till at least the summer of 2014.

But in a worrying trend, first mentioned by Torres, the players at Anfield have clearly been disappointed in the last four transfer windows – each of which has saw Liverpool bring in more money than they have spent.

He said:

“Liverpool have approached us to discuss a new contract and my agent will have a meeting in the next few days.

“The reality is that I am very happy at Liverpool. I want to know what the club’s plans are and then we will see if, at this moment in time, I can renew my contract.”

“It is not that I felt unsettled in the summer or that I am more at home now. I have always been very happy at Liverpool.

“Everyone at the club has always treated me very well. That is all there is to say at this stage.”

After a slow start to the season, Mascherano has been one of the most consistent performers in the reds team. Even being handed the man of the match for a terrific display when asked to play at right back last weekend.

With the club mired in debt, those assurances he seeks may be thin on the ground.

Mascherano gets sent off in the first half – Photo from fOTOGLIF

Liverpool traveled all the way down to Portsmouth today in search of a second win on the trot. Although winning in midweek, the reds still needed to improve their form. And it was hoped the men in red were to build on that against a Portsmouth team that currently foots the Premier League.

Sadly, it wasn’t to be. The Liverpool team put on a performance that speaks volumes of how Liverpools season seems to be panning out. The football was lacking quality. And the already fragile confidence drained as the match went on.

Things were made worse when Mascherano was given a straight red card for a high challenge that was deemed dangerous by the referee, late in the second half. Sometimes when a team goes down to ten men there can be an added boost of grit and determination. But the reds trailed away from the game like a loose cannon and the players heads were down.

Nadir Belhadj took the lead for Portsmouth in the 33rd minute. A poor attempt to clear the ball by Johnson gave the Portsmouth player an opportunity to have a shot shot on target from an acute angle. He blasted the ball with so much venom that Pepe Reina could only stand stunned at his near post.

Portsmouth increased their lead in the second half when Frederic Piquionne volleyed the ball home on 88 minutes.

Although Liverpool had some good possession in the game, as always, you have to make it count. And once again, there was a lack of drive or real creativity from the reds attack.

Steven Gerrard went close late in the second half to get a consolation goal, but his effort went round the wrong side of the post. It would have been too little, too late though.

If Liverpool have any intentions climbing up the league table into the top four, they must improve the football drastically. Because bad performances like todays, will only leave them sliding down the league table. Huge improvement is needed.

Javier Mascherano seemingly agrees with us that the finger of blame for Liverpool’s poor performances lies fully with the underperforming players.

With some quick to point fingers at Benitez, Mascherano admits that the only people Liverpool fans should be blaming are those on the pitch.

“The players play on the pitch, the manager can’t talk to us, can’t say how to play.

“We take the responsibility and we have to work on the pitch.

“I think it [the tactics] is working. That is not the problem, the problem is we are not playing as best we can.

Liverpool face Manchester United on Sunday, not the ideal opponents in a slump of form.

“We have to try to win on Sunday and try to continue winning.

“We believe in all the squad and all the staff.

“Last season we were doing a very good season so we have to maybe remember that and try to win on Sunday.”

We’ve not been the biggest fans of Mascherano after his rumoured off field disquiet but he has done the right thing by telling it exactly how it is.

Wishes he had gone to Barcelona in the summer?

Can’t handle the pressure of being Argentinian captain?

Worried that he won’t be going to the World Cup?

Whatever Javier Mascherano’s problem is – he needs to get his focus back and get back to playing some decent football for Liverpool. The manner in which he is started Liverpool’s season – it is almost understandable why West Ham only played him 5 times.

The man everyone loves to pick on, Lucas Leiva, has been the shining light of the holding midfielders this season as Masch seems to have his mind on other matters.

It is well documented that Javier is ‘struggling’ on around half the salary of the big earners at Anfield. The ironic thing is if he hadn’t flirted with Barcelona (who never had the funds to purchase him) he probably would have been another player handed a significant contract extension.

His agent brother probably did more harm to him than anybody with his constant media interviews suggesting it was a dream for Javier to go to Barcelona.

Benitez may well have had his hand forced to sell Alonso, but Mascherano? A player that Liverpool rescued from obscurity to become the captain of his country. I would also have demanded a bit more loyalty in that regard.

Now the contract extension for Javier (that he probably would have already received) is being dangled in front of him by Rafa *IF* he improves his performances.  With Aquilani hopefully debuting for the reds in the next few weeks, and some solid performance from Leiva, Mascherano may not be the shoe-in he probably expected to be.

Maybe Javi thinks he’s the dogs swingers now that he’s the Captain of a struggling South American side – but even that doesn’t guarantee you football at the worlds greatest football club.

He would do well to re-focus on the club that pays his wages, the club that turned his career around, and if he doesn’t then maybe we’ll have to send Gerrard around.

My gut reaction to his flirtation with Barcelona this summer would have been to sell him. I don’t want anybody at the club who isn’t committed to play with passion.  Unfortunately, as was shown in the Alonso situation, our current owners seem more interested in removing assets from the club and if we had sold him for £50M, no doubt Rafa would have received a fraction of that to try and replace him.

As it is, with our unsupportive board it was imperative we kept hold of him.

He needs to start to repay Benitez’ faith and the fans support.

I was fairly despondent walking away from Anfield after Monday night’s defeat to Aston Villa.  On reflection a 3-1 reverse flattered Aston Villa but if you don’t defend set-pieces properly, lack that clinical finish in front of goal (because we certainly had plenty of chances) and give away rash penalties then a defeat is always likely.

After some intelligent analysis over a post match pint I arrived home to the roaring hysteria of the internet masses.

A topic on our forum never likely to move from the first page is that of Lucas Leiva – widely vilified by the LFC masses as some kind of spawn of Satan.  In the demolition of Stoke a few days earlier him and Glen Johnson had rightly been mentioned as our best players but that was out of the window now.

In the past 48 hours some people have ridiculously spouted comments such as:

“Rafa has to go”

And

“The Season’s over”

As a glass-half full man it gets tiresome reading this nonsense.  One of the best responses I’ve read on our forum was from Bleed_Red:

“I swear, most of the people on this forum would leave a perfectly good day at the beach because they see one cloud in the sky.”

Going back to the Villa defeat it was hardly a shockingly bad performance. Result, maybe – but not performance.  I can remember one decent chance for Villa created from open play whereas we had a bagful of chances – in fact arguably more chances than in our 5-0 demolition of them 6 months ago.

Liverpool’s chances against Aston Villa (24)

Aston Villa’s chances against Liverpool (9)

Liverpool lost against Villa because we were undone by a couple of set-pieces and primarily because we didn’t take our chances.

In last season’s 5-0 victory Alonso and Mascherano had very similar games to Lucas and Mascherano this time around. The only difference being that it appears that Mascherano appears to have taken up the Alonso role in terms of distribution – with Leiva performing an ‘enforcing’ role similar to what Mascherano did last season.  Liverpool were not overrun in midfield on Monday night and Leiva and Mascherano bossed the midfield.  Aston Villa managed one shot from open play in 90 minutes.

Either way, some people will still look solely at the result and fail to see the bigger picture. Yes we may have lost 2 games already but Liverpool lost 2 all last season and didn’t win the league. Titles are not awarded for losing the least games.

We failed to land the title last year because we didn’t win 13 of our matches. The 11 draws killed our chances.  If Liverpool can win 28 games this season then they can get hammered 10-0 in 10 league games and probably still have enough points to be in with a shout of landing number 19.

Knees, well and truly, straightened.

Real Madrid are believed to have improved on their £24M bid for Xabi Alonso by suggesting to Liverpool the possibility of a player swap deal, with either the strikers Negrado or Huntelaar, or the midfielder Van der Vaart added in to the deal.

Earlier this summer Benitez insisted he wasn’t interested in a swap deal for the player and that Real Madrid must pay Liverpool’s valuation of £30M (E35M).  Real Madrid appear unkeen on offering any more money for the player – citing the fact that he isn’t as big a ‘marketing opportunity’ as the likes of Ronaldo or Kaka.

The reds are believed to have lined up Aquilani of Roma as a £14M replacement for Alonso.

Rafa Benitez is furious with Madrid and Alonso for impacting so heavily on Liverpool’s pre-season and for leaving the reds little time to find a replacement. Liverpool FC are understood to have told Real Madrid that the figure is non-negotiable.  Liverpool’s stance is that Alonso is a player they do not want to sell – so the valuation must be met for Alonso to leave.

Liverpool play Espanyol on Sunday and as of this moment – Xabi Alonso is in the Liverpool squad.

Real Madrid do have an oversupply of players at the moment and need to let players go from their 29 man first team squad. Only 25 can be registered to play in La Liga.

We have also heard that Mascherano has been told in no uncertain terms to rein in his agent and his family members from speaking to the media. Yesterday, Mascherano’s brother spoke of the player’s desire to move to Barcelona.  If the media interviews continue – Mascherano will be disciplined by the club.

Just when you thought the Mascherano story had been put to bed, the player will be back on collision course with Rafa Benitez after his agent once again took centre-stage, attempting to get Barcelona back involved with a bid for the 25 year old Argentine.

His agent Walter Tamer, was quoted by Argentine news site Infobae.

“Barcelona is the easiest deal to set up as Javier wants to go to Spain. He is tired of life in England.

“His wife has not been given a permanent visa. She has to go through an odyssey each time she wants to go.

“Liverpool refuse to sell, but this can be overcome with an extraordinary offer.”

Mascherano is with the Liverpool squad who are shortly due to kick off in Thailand. Benitez is believed to have told Mascherano that he is going nowhere this summer.

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina believes that both Mascherano and Alonso will not be leaving Anfield this summer.

The goalkeeper insists that Rafa Benitez will be reluctant to allow the dismantling of his spine as Barcelona and Real Madrid are believed to be circling for the two players.

“I believe that he [Benitez] has his mind very clear and his idea in these moments is to not sell.

“He wants to continue with a team he has known for a long time, with an already fundamented base and where we know almost everything.

“Whoever wants to touch this team or this structure [Liverpool] will have to pay a lot of money.”

Reina is also alleged to have fired a broadside at both Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez for their ‘reasons’ for not joining England’s most succesful club.

“Apparently, they moved for the money. That is their decision but I also think it is their problem if they cannot see that Liverpool is a bigger club,

“It’s up to them what they do but let me tell them that I am very proud to play for Liverpool. We can offer European football and I think that should have been a consideration for them.

“Everybody knows what it is to play for Liverpool. It’s a pleasure and a tremendous honour. I am surprised they didn’t consider these things.

“Some things in a player’s career should be more important than money.”

Well said Pepe.

Reports in today’s media suggest that Barcelona are ready to throw their entire £26M transfer budget on attempting to prise Mascherano away from Benitez’ clutches after the Catalan club decided to hold off for a year in their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. Reports suggest that the reds Argentine is their number one target.

According to Anfield sources, Benitez has said around the hallowed walls of Anfield that Mascherano will not be allowed to leave. Not even for £50 million.

Despite constant media pressure we believe Rafa Benitez is determined to express and exceptionally hard line with the player and Barcelona, and he will refuse to move on the players valuation.

Mascherano is expected to report back to pre-season training next week.

Meanwhile Xabi Alonso’s approach from Real Madrid may go all the way towards the end of this month.

When Liverpool landed the player from Real Sociedad – the original contract is believed to stipulate that 20% of any sell-on fee that Liverpool get should go to the Spanish club.  This clause is expected to expire on July 18th.  Liverpool Football Club have slapped a £35M price tag on the player – and Real Madrid do not want to pay any more than £25M.

Madrid believe they may be able to get the player at this price after the 18th July because of this.

For some bizarre reason it appears the press have decided that Liverpool have become a feeder club for other European clubs.  First it was Alonso linked with Spanish clubs, then it was Mascherano and now it’s Torres.

The standard of football reporting by some of the tabloids has been abysmal.  Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been at some stage linked with every major Liverpool player. In fact, you start to feel sorry for the poor lads who haven’t been the subject of such wild speculation.  Come on Real Madrid – tell us you’re interested in bringing Skrtel in for £120 M.  Poor old Carra as well – he would love to start work on a chain of his restaurants on one of the Spanish costa’s.

Newspapers these days are a dying breed.  With internet access 24/7 – newspapers, especially the Sundays, need something that little bit special to make people trot down to the shops.  To do this, in general, they introduce complete fabrications.  Some sensationalist websites also completely fabricate stories – and most Liverpool websites and forums have introduced their own policies to prevent some nonsense slipping through.

However, one story refuses to go away and that is the Mascherano one – and principally because his agent is so pro-active on the Argentine’s behalf.

At the end of the season Masch was pleased to say how he was staying but within a couple of weeks his agent was popping up left right and centre to try and get his player a move to Barcelona.  The fact that his agent is so visibly attempting to broker a deal and that Mascherano hasn’t stipulated he wants to stay and reigned in his agent speaks volumes for me.

If a player isn’t committed to the cause, irrespective of his name, and assuming Liverpool receive a valuation of the right magnitude then it is entirely reasonable to sell the player.  Mascherano is a good player, but he is far from being one of our greatest ever players.  Last season he was hailed as having a terrific season – although in the final analysis Liverpool actually performed better without him than with him.

When he was struggling to get a game at West Ham, it was Liverpool who salvaged Mascherano’s career.  The player owes Benitez and Liverpool a great deal – and as he runs out as Argentinian captain it is something he may care to consider.  When he’s on the bench at Barcelona or Real Madrid will his country be so keen on having him play for them?

If Liverpool’s valuation for any player is not met then they do not have to sell assuming the player has a decent amount of time left on their contract.  And our club is not the type that will allow players to sulk off.  The manager won’t stand for it, and the fans won’t stand for it either.

So if Mascherano wants to leave Liverpool and if somebody offers the club enough money then I don’t think the reds should be desperately trying to persuade him to stay.   Take the money and bring a player with desire and passion for the red shirt.  And if Mascherano does go – fingers crossed that Newcastle will be back in the Premier League soon so that they can rescue him from his bench-warming, international career ending Spanish journey.  Hmm.. sounds like somebody else we used to know.

With the potential arrival of Glen Johnson it does indeed seem that Arbeloa is longing for a return to his old Real Madrid side. The player was quoted as saying:

“Going back to Spain is always an idea that’s in my mind.

“I’m happy in Liverpool but I’d like to go back as I’ve barely had a chance to play in the top flight over there.

“It’s always nice to be thought of by important teams, more still when it’s this Real Madrid which Florentino (Perez) is buidling.

“They are making a big effort to build a great team. I have a year left at Liverpool but anything could happen.

“Certainly, I will go back one day because, outside of football, I miss everything I have in my country.”

We reported last month that Arbeloa was likely to leave Anfield as the player has resisted talks of a new Anfield contract and with Liverpool facing losing the player for nothing they may be forced in to a sale.

The Javier Mascherano story to Barcelona has taken another twist with the Spanish media claiming that the club’s directors have met with Mascherano’s agent.  Lionel Messi has also waded in insisting it would be great on and off the field to have his Argentinian team-mate at the club.

A figure of £45 million has been banded about.

And Barcelona continue to annoy the reds with thoughts that they can purchase Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina, to replace Victor Valdez.  Barcelona seem to think they can get the player for around £15 million but not only will Liverpool not sell Reina, but the player himself does not seem interested in a move.

One bit of good news that is slowly emerging is that Madrid have been scared off concerning Xabi Alonso.  Real Madrid’s sporting director acknowledged Liverpool’s statement over the weekend about the fact that Xabi wasn’t for sale, and the Spanish media also have dropped the story from their radar.

» Discuss our summer transfer targets and potential sales in the forum

According to sources Liverpool have turned down a £21 million bid from Barcelona for Javier Mascherano.

Yesterday we published a transcript from Barcelona radio in which the players agent effectively issues a come-and-get-me plea on behalf of Mascherano.  It appears this has flushed out Barcelona’s interest and hence a bid was faxed over to Liverpool FC.

However, Liverpool’s response indicated they are not messing about when they insist the team will not be broken up.

The reds are understood to have told Barcelona that the player is valued at £50 million, and now Benitez has even gone as far to say that no other offers will even be looked at.

‘Mascherano has no price.

‘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.’

Benitez is believed to be privately furious with the player’s agent for his interview on the radio station.

‘He (Mascherano) gave me the private number of his agent 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.’

It is believed Man City are also tracking both Mascherano and Alonso but if Benitez words follow through then it will take an extra-ordinary bid this summer to capture either of the reds midfielders.