LIVERPOOL are facing a  major battle to keep Javier  Mascherano at Anfield  beyond the end  of the  season.

Mascherano is a long-term  target of Barcelona, who  enquired about the Argentine  midfielder’s  availability  during the last transfer  window but stopped short of  making an formal offer.

Reports over the weekend  suggested the midfielder’s  advisers had already  negotiated  personal terms  with the Catalans ahead of  the two clubs agreeing a fee.

Liverpool, though, have had  no contact from Barcelona  since the summer and do not  expect  any fresh approach in  January.

But the Spanish giants are  almost certain to return with  an offer at the end of the  campaign  once their  presidential elections have  been completed.

Current incumbent Joan  Laporta’s term ends in June  and coach Pep Guardiola, a  huge  admirer of Mascherano,  is refusing to commit to a  new contract until the next  president is  determined.

A move for Mascherano  could be further complicated  by the fact Barcelona do not  at present  possess the  spending power of rivals Real  Madrid as they look to  facilitate the £175million   redevelopment of Camp Nou  into a 106,000-seater, fully- covered stadium.

It has led sources in Spain  to claim Ivory Coast  international midfielder Yaya  Toure will be  offered as a  makeweight should any deal  for Mascherano be given the  go-ahead.