Reds boss confident of sealing Mascherano deal

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez is confident the club will complete the permanent transfer of Javier Mascherano as they prepare for their Premier League clash against his former club West Ham.

The timing of Benitez’s comments will not be lost on fans of both clubs, particularly the Hammers, who were thrown into crisis last season over the contract arrangements that brought Mascherano and Carlos Tevez to the Boleyn Ground.

Mascherano’s loan switch to Anfield last January triggered the uproar that almost cost West Ham their Premier League status.