The Real Madrid main rivals, Barcelona, have blocked the Italian Serie A champions, Juventus from completing the summer transfer of the Argentinian star, Javier Mascherano.

The Spanish club refused to sell the defender after summer pursuit from Serie A champions for another key defender.

Juve, who trashed out Barcelona from the last UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals have been trying to strike a deal for the Argentine man all summer as they are looking forward to strengthening their squad to be stronger in Europe next season.

They hoped to capture Mascherano as they did DaniAlves. But despite thorough negotiations with the board, Barcahas now made known that they do not have any plan of selling the former Liverpool and West Ham star.

The 33-year old had made it known that he would be ready to make the switch to Juve should Barcabe willing and able to sell him, but that he would not attempt to force a move.
The Camp Nou dwellers have decided they still see the defender as an important part of their squad next season.

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta said: “We are sure Barcelona will not sell, this is now a closed case. Having MiralemPjanic and DaniAlves, we have started building a strong team for next season.”

The Argentina international took an invaluable role in Barcelona's 2016/17 season as the defender featured in twenty five of thirty eight La Liga matches out of which he started twenty and was able to find the net once.

He moved to Barcelona in 2010 from Liverpool on a reported €20m fee. He has since then been participating hugely in many of the successes achieved by the club and still has his contract on till 30th of June, 2019 which may be extended.