Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Reveals 'Positive' Steps In Javier Mascherano Talks

Javier Mascherano - Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reported considerable progress in his quest to keep his sought-after midfield enforcer, Javier Mascherano, on Merseyside.

The Argentina captain has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona, as the former Corinthians player and his family were said to have become disenchanted with life in England.

However, Benitez is confident that he can convince the 25-year-old to prolong his stay at Anfield.

"We were talking with him and his agent a month ago about our idea and his idea," Benitez told the News of the World.

"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."