Mascherano wants to stay

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has insisted he wishes to stay at the club and thanked Rafa Benitez for taking an opportunity on him. Barcelona had been linked with the player.

Mascherano has said: "Right now, I am only thinking about playing football well with Liverpool.

"I feel good here. My objective is to improve my contract and that is what I am working for.

"Benitez got me out of West Ham and trusted in me."