Javier Mascherano was linked with a move to European champions Barcelona in the summer and the Spanish club held talks with the Liverpool. 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 Reds boss Rafa Benitez admits negotiations are planned, telling 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."