Liverpool 'very close' to new deals for Mascherano and Reina
-
Liverpool 'very close' to new deals for Mascherano and Reina.
Rafa Benitez is confident Liverpool will sign two of their biggest stars on long term deals… despite the pair expressing concerns over their future.
The Anfield boss explained yesterday that he is close to agreeing contract extensions with Pepe Reina and Javier Mascherano, who he sees as key to the club’s future.
Mascherano, in particular, has suggested that he will first wait to see how strong the club’s ambitions are before he signs on the dotted line.
But the manager said: "Everything is very close. I think we will have news about Reina and Mascherano very soon.
"I was talking with Javier and his agent the other day and it is true Javier he is happier. The conversations were very positive. When you talk with Javier he is very settled and happy.
"Everyone knew about some clubs (being interested in him) but talking with us he was fine.
"Pepe is another key player and it is 100 per cent he will continue with us.”
Mascherano has been linked with an summer exit to Barcelona, and yesterday he insisted that he will first wait to hear whether the club are prepared to invest in their future.
“Liverpool have approached us to discuss a new contract and the reality is that I am very happy at Anfield,” he said.
“But I want to know what the club’s plans are and then we will see if, at this moment in time, I can renew my contract.
“It is not that I felt unsettled in the summer or that I am more at home now. I have always been very happy at Liverpool.
“Everyone at the club has always treated me very well. That is all there is to say at this stage.”