by Anton Johan
As Spanish football fans prepare for the start of the
2010-11 La Liga season on Saturday, certain clubs are still trying to sign players,
FC Barcelona for instance, which is openly vying for Liverpool midfielder, Javier Mascherano.
While Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola refuses to comment on the prospective signing of Mascherano for FC Barcelona, he has stated that if and when the talented player actually arrives at Camp Nou, he will be open to discussing the matter.
And as further proof that Mascherano will likely make the move from Liverpool to Barcelona, is the fact that he was sat on the bench during his team's 3-0 loss to Manchester City last night, signaling that he is being distanced from the Reds.
Said Guardiola at a recent press conference, 'If a defensive midfielder arrives the needs of the team will be resolved. If one arrives I will be satisfied. I will speak about him when he's here - if he comes.' But the move all comes down to money.
According to reports, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson does not seem overly upset at the prospect of losing Mascherano to La Liga this season, but he has been vehement that Liverpool will not let the midfielder go for under 20 million euros.
'Javier is not in the right frame of mind at the moment to play a game because his head has been turned by the offer from Barcelona,' said Hodgson. 'The fee we have in mind and the fee they [Barcelona] think is correct are very, very far apart.'
So it will remain to be seen if the Argentinean leaves England to play in Spain this season. One thing is for sure, which is that as the reigning La Liga champions, Mascherano or no Mascherano, L'equip blaugrana will still be the team to beat.
