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.

Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel has backed new signing Glen Johnson to succeed at Anfield.

The Slovakia centre-back established himself as first choice alongside Jamie Carragher last season and has welcomed the arrival of another experienced defender.

“He is a very good player and he will definitely be a success so I am happy that he is with us,” said Skrtel.

Former Liverpool full-back Rob Jones also believes Benitez has invested Johnson’s £17million transfer fee wisely.

“Johnson is the best English right-back around, definitely. He’s strong, quick and good going forward and defending,” Jones said.