Liverpool FC midfielder Javier Mascherano remains Barcelona target

Jun 30 2009 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post

BARCELONA are refusing to admit defeat in their battle to sign Javier Mascherano.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists the Argentine midfielder is not for sale but Barca president Joan Laporta has reiterated the European champions’ interest in buying the 25-year-old.

Laporta is hoping Lionel Messi can persuade his compatriot to join him at the Nou Camp.

“Mascherano is a close friend of Messi,” Laporta said.

“We will see what happens. He’s a player I like very much.”

Benitez is desperate to hold on to Mascherano and recently revealed even a bid of £50million wouldn’t be enough to convince Liverpool to do business.