Benitez ready to hold talks with Mascherano

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez admits he needs to hold talks with Javier Mascherano to resolve the Argentina midfielder’s future at Anfield.

Mascherano was keen on joining Barcelona in the close-season after the European champions approached Liverpool over a deal for the Argentina captain.

Benitez hinted that Barca forward Lionel Messi, a compatriot of Mascherano’s, had been trying to persuade his international team-mate to make the switch to the Nou Camp.

But the Liverpool boss refused to agree to the transfer because he was already resigned to losing Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

There is now speculation that Liverpool want to offer the 25-year-old a contract extension in order to prolong his stay at Anfield and Benitez told Sky Sports News: “We were talking with Mascherano before. He knows we have to have a meeting and talk about his future.

“There is a possibility that we will be friends, and will talk about things in private.”

Meanwhile, Benitez has hinted that he could enter the transfer market before the window closes on August 31.

With Danish defender Daniel Agger out for several weeks and centre-backs Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel injured in Sunday’s defeat at Tottenham, Benitez is looking for defensive cover, with Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta reportedly top of his list.

“I try to see how the market is, and what players are available, just in case,” he said.

“You never know if you get injuries or if you have to bring someone in. It also depends on the position (of players) too.

“We are trying to keep working with the scouting department and will see what happens”.

The Reds boss may have to sell before he can buy however after reports that Liverpool’s American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are refusing to release any more transfer funds.

Benitez was asked several times at his pre-match media conference ahead of Wednesday’s game against Stoke to explain his cash-flow problems, but on each occasion he said: “I do not want to discuss money.

“I do not want to discuss my transfer budget. But our scouting department is continuing to work hard to find the players that we need.”

After their 2-1 loss to Spurs, Liverpool need to bounce back quickly against a Stoke team who drew at Anfield last season.

Benitez said: “We know the problems from last season in facing Stoke. But our home fans will want us to show our quality.

“We must play well, keep possession and be positive to make our chances. Stoke’s manager is clever, he uses his players well and they are physical and well organised.

“But the future of our club depends on showing the quality we have in our squad.”