LONDON: 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 Livepool 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 teammate 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.
| Liverpool want to offer Mascherano a contract extension. |
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 Aug 31.
With Danish defender Daniel Agger out for several weeks and centrebacks 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. -- AFP
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