Liverpool offer Mascherano new deal

Liverpool have prepared a two-year contract extension for Javier Mascherano in a bid to keep the Argentine midfielder, with Barcelona interested.

Mascherano's current deal expires at the end of 2011-2012 but he was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer.

Manager Rafa Benitez has now begun talks with Mascherano to tie him down for a further two seasons. Liverpool have offered £5million-a-year which is almost £100,000 a week.

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder has made 32 appearances for Liverpool in 2009-2010, receiving nine yellow cards and one red. Mascherano scored his first goal of the season against Unirea Urziceni last week.

Liverpool are also in contract talks with goalkeeper Pepe Reina about extending his deal at Anfield.

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