Liverpool To Hand Unsettled Javier Mascherano Pay Rise

The Argentine may have seen his move to Spain blocked but there may be some good news on the horizon...

Liverpool are reportedly set to hand midfielder Javier Mascherano a pay rise, after refusing to allow him to leave Anfield this summer.

It was widely documented that the 25-year-old was keen on a move to Spain, and Barcelona in particular, but manager Rafael Benitez would not sanction a deal, largely because of the expected departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

Whilst that deal did indeed go through, Mascherano remains on Merseyside and, speaking to the Sunday Express, the Liverpool boss admitted his player may be disappointed to miss out on the chance to move to the European champions.

“I had to talk to Javier a little bit. Barcelona is a top side, so if a club like Barcelona, who won three trophies in the last year, are interested it’s not easy for any player,” explained Benitez.

“But we knew from day one that we didn’t want to sell him. He’s an important player for us.
” The Spaniard also revealed that with the midfielder now back from international duty, talks could begin over a potential new deal.

“He has come home now, after playing for his national team, and we will talk,” he added.

“It’s important that he sits down now and we have time to talk.”

The Sunday Express speculates that Mascherano can expect a “substantial hike” on his £80,000-a-week wages, as the Reds attempt to placate their midfield man.