Javier Mascherano is demanding a huge pay-rise to stay with Liverpool.

The Sunday Mirror says the Argentina captain met with Kop chief executive Christian Purslow again last week in a bid to secure his long-term future at the club.

Mascherano, hit by the hike in the top band tax rate to 50 per cent, wants to see his basic salary rise to £90,000 a week for a two-year extension that would keep him at Liverpool for the next four years.

Liverpool are unlikely to resist given that it fits into their own wage structure and that Barcelona are ready to renew their interest in the midfielder.

But Mascherano said: "I am waiting for an answer. They know what I want. At this stage everything depends on Liverpool, not me.

"We have spoken about the contract again and I am ready to sign."