Cheesecake
Senior Member
RAFA OUT TO KEEP MASCHERANO
Rafa Benitez wants to keep Javier Mascherano at Liverpool, and sign a new centre-half in January.
Mascherano has been a big hit at Anfield since arriving last January on an 18-month loan deal.
But the Reds have yet to take up a £17million option to sign him permanently, leading to speculation he could end up elsewhere.
Benitez however is hoping that Mascherano, a target for the likes of Barcelona, will stay on Merseyside. The player himself has already said he wants to remain with the Reds.
"We know Juventus and other top sides are interested in him but we have the option," Benitez told the club's official website.
"Javier is happy here and wants to stay. We will do our best to keep him here."
Benitez meanwhile says he's hoping to sign a centre-half during the January transfer window, and not a left-back as many reports have claimed.
Some speculation was linking Chelsea's Wayne Bridge with a move to Merseyside, but Benitez says he won't be arriving, and added that veteran central defender Sami Hyypia won't be leaving.
"We are looking for a centre back and not a left back," he added.
"We are working hard with the new owners and the Chief Executive to find an option."
Rafa Benitez wants to keep Javier Mascherano at Liverpool, and sign a new centre-half in January.
Mascherano has been a big hit at Anfield since arriving last January on an 18-month loan deal.
But the Reds have yet to take up a £17million option to sign him permanently, leading to speculation he could end up elsewhere.
Benitez however is hoping that Mascherano, a target for the likes of Barcelona, will stay on Merseyside. The player himself has already said he wants to remain with the Reds.
"We know Juventus and other top sides are interested in him but we have the option," Benitez told the club's official website.
"Javier is happy here and wants to stay. We will do our best to keep him here."
Benitez meanwhile says he's hoping to sign a centre-half during the January transfer window, and not a left-back as many reports have claimed.
Some speculation was linking Chelsea's Wayne Bridge with a move to Merseyside, but Benitez says he won't be arriving, and added that veteran central defender Sami Hyypia won't be leaving.
"We are looking for a centre back and not a left back," he added.
"We are working hard with the new owners and the Chief Executive to find an option."
