Liverpool aiming to keep midfield maestros
Alonso has been linked with Real Madrid, who have not hidden their admiration for the Spain midfielder, and Argentinian Mascherano is reported to be a target of Barcelona.
Madrid’s young strikers Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno have been suggested as makeweights in any possible deal for Alonso.
However Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez considers his midfield pair to be integral to the club’s plans for next season, recently stating that Barcelona “could not afford” Mascherano and that Alonso was “not for sale”.
The club yesterday backed Benitez by indicating any approaches for the pair will be firmly rejected.
In a statement on their official website, Liverpool said: “Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.
“Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal.”
Liverpool’s statement follows a denial from Reds boss Rafael Benitez last week after he spoke to Mascherano and his agent, Walter Tamer.
“Barcelona could not afford to match his (Mascherano’s) value to Liverpool – they can offer £50m, but we don’t want to sell,’’ Benitez said.
“Clubs can forget about bidding for him – he has no price and he’s happy here.’’
Tamer had claimed Barcelona were interested in signing the Argentine.
Benitez added: “I have spoken to Javier two or three times this summer – the last time was only last week – and he was very happy, very positive.
“He gave me the private number of his agent Walter Tamer and again the conversation was very positive and was all about football.
“Walter told me that two clubs with big, big names were asking after Mascherano – and I told him to forget it, that Javier was happy in Liverpool and he was not for sale.”
Tamer stated earlier this week: “It would make Javier very proud that a club like Barcelona pay him attention after such an incredible year. I believe a transfer would be feasible.’’
Meanwhile Zinedine Zidane, an advisor to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, has spoken to France midfielder Franck Ribery to try and convince him to move to the Spanish capital from Bayern Munich.
“I am in talks with Franck,” the former three times World Player of the Year, who wore the Real shirt from 2001 to 2006, told yesterday’s edition of French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere.
“He is a fantastic player who has his place at Real. And playing in this team is a career opportunity, which, to me, you do not refuse.
“It would be a nice opportunity for Franck. It is up to him.”
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