Javier Mascherano has backed Barcelona's pursuit of Liverpool defender Dan Agger.

Agger is a €20 million target for Barca.

And Mascherano said of his former Reds teammate: "Agger has great qualities in central defence. He is clever and calm with the ball and can play a major role in the building of the game.

"He can actually score some goals also.

"As a person he is a great guy who takes his work very seriously. I have enjoyed playing with him."