Mascherano: I'll stay

Javier Mascherano has said that he wants to stay at Liverpool despite intense interest from Man City for his services. Rafa Benitez has also indicated that he hopes to keep the Argentinian midfielder at Anfield.

"He said to me that he wants to stay here, so I have confidence," he said.

Liverpool would have to negotiate with Media Sports Investments, the consortium which "owns" Mascherano, to agree a permanent contract.

Rafa Benitez himself has said: "Clearly, I hope Mascherano stays here," he said. "I am confident he can be persuaded to stay.

"He is playing well and everyone knows he is a good player and there are not too many world-class holding midfielders around.

"He wants to stay, our supporters like him and we will try to keep him."