Football Transfer News: Liverpool ask Barcelona to raise Javier Mascherano bid
The transfer saga of Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano rolls on, as Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has said that if Barcelona want the midfielder, they would have to increase their bid. Mascherano was reportedly left out of the side against Liverpool’s last match against Manchester City when he told the manager that he does not want to play and wants to leave the club.
Liverpool lost their 2nd Premier League match 0-3 to Manchester City, after drawing the first match 1-1 against Arsenal. The Reds now have just 1 point from 2 matches. Team manager Hodgson said that he may not select Mascherano for any games till the transfer window closes on the 31st of August. Hodgson added that the Argentine is more unsettled by the offer by Barcelona and is now determined to go there; however, he maintained that Liverpool would not let him go unless the asking price is met by Barcelona or any other team interested in his services.
Earlier, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said that he would not like to comment on the possible recruitment of Javier Mascherano. He said that he is a fantastic player and would be a good fit at Barcelona. He added that he would talk further on the topic once the player makes his way to Catalonia.
The Liverpool boss, meanwhile, said that the offer made by Barcelona is way below the estimated price of Javier (that is 25 million pounds), and if he is let go for less than that, it would be an awful deal.
The former Fulham manager reportedly said that Mascherano is simply not interested in staying at Anfield anymore, and he is not bothered by the low bid and wants to leave at any cost. He went on to say that players like that are not healthy for the squad’s atmosphere and he would also like to end the chapter as soon as possible. He said that this was the reason he decided to play Gerrard and Lucas in middle of the park instead of going for the Argentine. Earlier, Hodgson had repeatedly said that he wants Mascherano to stay and would try and convince him. However, after Monday, the manager is adamant that the player is not in a state of mind to stay and play for the club anymore.
There have been no confirmed reports on the bid made by the Spanish champions for the midfielder; however, it is believed that the offer was around 12 million pounds. Liverpool bought Mascherano from West Ham United 3 years ago for 18 million, and have now put a tag of 25 million pounds on him.
Barcelona had shown their interest in the player even in the last summer transfer window; even then, the then Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had said that if a proper offer comes, he may consider selling Mascherano.
While commenting on adding to his squad before the transfer window closes, Hodgson said that he would love to add to his squad and he has a couple of spots that need backup. He added, though, that he would not rush into any deal and will make sure he finds the right players before making any decisions.
The manager said that there is no need to sign players quickly; he went on to say that there is more than a week left and talks are underway with at least two possible recruits. However, he said that it is not necessary that the deals may go through, as other clubs also have their own asking price like Liverpool have for Mascherano. Therefore, he said, if the Reds cannot meet the demands, the club would not go overboard to buy expensive players.
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