• Premier League

Mascherano heads for Anfield exit

Harry Harris, ESPNsoccernet
July 9, 2010
Javier Mascherano is set to hand in a transfer request © Getty Images
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Argentina captain Javier Mascherano will inform new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson in the next 48 hours that he wants to leave Anfield.

Hodgson has expressed confidence that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will stay after opening talks with him since his return from the World Cup. But his optimism over Gerrard's future will be tempered by the news that there appears no changing the mind of influential holding midfielder Mascherano.

"Javier is looking, for sure, to leave Liverpool," A well placed source told Soccernet. "There is no doubt that at the moment he wants to go. Await developments, as Javier has made up his mind."

The only reason Mascherano might stay would be if the clubs interested in him fail to meet Liverpool's valuation.

Barcelona have long been linked with Mascherano but the financial situation at the Nou Camp is far from stable. Inter Milan are looking the most likely destination as Rafa Benitez is keen to be reunited with his hard tackling midfield dynamo.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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