JAVIER MASCHERANO was handed a ringing vote of confidence last night when Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said that even a world record approaching bid of £50m would not convince him to part with the Argentinian midfielder.

The Liverpool manager cut short a family holiday to issue a blunt hands-off warning to Spanish giants Barcelona, after Mascherano's agent appeared to be offering encouragement to the Catalans.

Walter Tamer, Mascherano's representative, said: “I believe that a transfer would be feasible. If Barcelona really want him, he will sign for them. It is an honour for Javier that a club like Barca pay such close attention to him.

“He would have a very easy job there. Sometimes we talk and joke that the only thing he has to do is run, rob the ball and pass it on to all the superstars in front of him.”

Benitez, however, offered a different version.

“Mascherano has no price,” he declared.

“Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool Football Club.

“We do no 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.