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The Catalan club would not want to part ways with Argentine Javier Mascherano earlier than expected, as reported by the newspaper "El Mundo Deportivo" on Thursday.
Last year, the Italian club "Napoli" showed great interest in the football player who can play in both defensive and midfield positions. It is said that Napoli's coach, Rafael Benitez, is determined to attract J. Mascherano. The specialist from Spain previously coached the Argentine when he played for the "Liverpool" team.
According to the publication, "Barcelona" is not inclined to sit at the negotiating table not only with "Napoli" but also with representatives from any other club.
Barcelona's officials would like J. Mascherano to stay in the team even if a competent central defender is purchased in the summer, who would essentially take the Argentine's place.
It is said that J. Mascherano would continue to be an important player in Gerardo Martino's tactical schemes and would have enough time on the field. It is emphasized that despite occasional mistakes, the Argentine is a meticulous, tenacious, and tactically mature player, capable of executing the coach's instructions accurately on the field.
Current J. Mascherano's contract with "Barcelona" is valid until June 30, 2016, but "El Mundo Deportivo" claims that Barcelona's negotiators are ready to review and improve certain conditions, as well as the player's salary.
However, as noted by the Catalan sports publication, the final decision should be made by Mascherano himself.
