After sealing a contract extension for Pepe Reina earlier this week, Rafa Benitez is now stepping up in his pursuit of an extended contract for Javier Mascherano.
The Argentine was widely linked with a move to a big money move to Barcelona last summer before Rafa intervened insisting Barcelona couldn’t afford the player.
Javier’s contract is due to expire in February 2012 and the reds are keen to ensure he stays at Anfield with an extension till at least the summer of 2014.
But in a worrying trend, first mentioned by Torres, the players at Anfield have clearly been disappointed in the last four transfer windows – each of which has saw Liverpool bring in more money than they have spent.
He said:
“Liverpool have approached us to discuss a new contract and my agent will have a meeting in the next few days.
“The reality is that I am very happy at Liverpool. I want to know what the club’s plans are and then we will see if, at this moment in time, I can renew my contract.”
“It is not that I felt unsettled in the summer or that I am more at home now. I have always been very happy at Liverpool.
“Everyone at the club has always treated me very well. That is all there is to say at this stage.”
After a slow start to the season, Mascherano has been one of the most consistent performers in the reds team. Even being handed the man of the match for a terrific display when asked to play at right back last weekend.
With the club mired in debt, those assurances he seeks may be thin on the ground.