Reds open talks over new Mascherano deal

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed the Premier League club are in talks with Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano about extending his contract at Anfield.

Mascherano has been linked with a move to European champions Barcelona in recent months after admitting he has found it hard to settle on Merseyside.

But Benitez is desperate to keep the 25-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal, and is already discussing an improved contract.

“We were talking with him and his agent a month ago about our idea and his idea,” Benitez said.

“Everyone can see he’s doing really well and has come back to his best. We were really pleased to talk to him to make progress.

“We have plenty of time but we are happy with him and he is happier now too. He has two more years on his contract, we were talking before and we will sit down sooner rather than later and talk about the future. The last conversations that we had were very positive.”