Javier Mascherano wants showdown talks with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

The Sunday Mirror says the Argentine midfielder still harbours resentment over Benitez's refusal to sell him to Barcelona in the summer and Liverpool's subsequent refusal to hand him a pay rise that would bring him into line with the club's top earners.

Benitez did claim in August there was a willingness at Anfield to offer Mascherano a new deal to ease his disappointment at missing out on a dream move to Barca.

But Mascherano has not come close to the form that made him one of Liverpool's most consistent performers last season.

And there is a reluctance from the club to enter into negotiations about a new contract until the 25-year-old starts hitting the heights once more. The lack of progress has simply deepened Mascherano's sense of frustration - and Juventus have now joined Barcelona in monitoring his situation on Merseyside.

But an Anfield insider said: "There is a feeling that Mascherano had his head turned by reports of Barcelona's interest in the summer and that his form has been affected.

"Until his attitude changes there will be no talks about a new contract."