Mascherano poised to sign contract extension

Rafa Benitez has hailed Javier Mascherano as "a player every manager would like to have" - as he revealed talks over the midfielder's new deal are heading to a successful conclusion.

Mascherano's representatives have been in discussions with Liverpool officials for some time now and Benitez has reiterated his feelings that Argentina's captain will put pen-to-paper on a contract which would keep him at Anfield until 2014 very soon.

Benitez has made great efforts to tie down the key performers in Liverpool's team on long-term contracts - Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Yossi Benayoun and Pepe Reina have all committed their futures and he is confident Mascherano will do likewise.

"We were talking, progressing and we're closer now. Still we need to talk a little bit but we are closer," said Benitez.

"It would be very important for the club. We have some important players with some years left on their contracts and this could be another one. It's very important that we're keeping the spine of the team.

"Every fan knows (Mascherano) Is a very important player for us, a key player who is good for team spirit. He is an example for a lot of players.

"He shows every game his commitment, desire and passion. He has great character, but he can also play. He's a player every manager would like to have in their team."

Liverpool's hopes of finishing in the Champions League positions are, Benitez admits, now out of their hands but the manager is confident they will bounce back in style from their disappointment at Manchester United when Sunderland visit next Sunday.

"This year is a difficult year with too many things against," said Benitez. "But still we have to keep fighting and I am confident the team will be ready for the next game. We have shown we can beat anyone if we play well and if we have some chances we have to take them."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.