MASCHERANO SET TO LEAVE?

There have been several rumours that Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano, who joined the club from Liverpool for £ 25 million a few seasons ago, could be set for an exit away from the camp Nou. The midfielder refused to rule out the rumours by admitting that anything is possible.

This would put Barcelona in a difficult situation especially given that they have been looking to sign a central defender – without any success – in the last few months. They have been linked with almost every high-profile central defender like David Luiz and Thiago Silva, but their approach has been rebuffed by their clubs.

Mascherano has been utilised as a central defender since the days of Guardiola and it looks highly unlikely to change under the new management of Gerardo Martino. Mascherano was made as one of the best midfielders in the world by former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. The midfielder has revealed that he is in regular touch with Benitez, who has currently taking over at Napoli. He was at Chelsea last six months where he managed to win the Europa league. The sale of Edinson Cavani has made Napoli cashrich and they are looking to sign several high profile players.

Mascherano has refused to rule out the possibility of joining Napoli.

"Moving to Napoli? I can only say that I speak with Benitez often. Almost every day we talk. I’ve always appreciated him as a coach,” said Mascherano in a recent interview. "You never know. In football, you have to be prepared for anything. There were calls from somewhere else, but no offers. There are always doubts. You are at Barcelona and you have to fight for your place," said the player to a Spanish newspaper a few weeks ago.
Barcelona have not revealed any offers from Napoli so far.