Javier Mascherano nears Liverpool exit after omission from squad
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has been left of Roy Hodgson’s squad to face Manchester City at Eastlands tonight, amidst claims that the Argentinian has refused to play in a bid to force through a transfer away from the club.
Mascherano has been linked with moves to both Barcelona and Inter Milan throughout the summer, and there have been claims today that Barça have offered around £12million for the player.
However, that offer is likely to be rejected by the Reds, with boss Hodgson holding out for more cash. Barça could also throw midfielder Alexander Hleb and/or defender Martín Cáceres into the deal though.
Argentina’s captain at the 2010 World Cup, Mascherano has played 139 games for Liverpool, and featured in the club’s opening Premier League game of this campaign against Arsenal last week.
His position in the team tonight is likely to be taken by Brazilian Lucas, who will partner Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield, with Fernando Torres and David Ngog both starting upfront.
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