Reds coach fails to rule out Mascherano exit
Javier Mascherano's agent has welcomed approaches from Barcelona
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Sunday, 21, Jun 2009 04:09
Liverpool coach Mauricio Pellegrino has admitted that Javier Mascherano could leave Anfield.
The Argentinean midfielder is a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Reports claim his agent, Walter Tamer, met with Barcelona officials on Wednesday.
Reds manager Rafa Benitez has insisted that Mascherano will not be sold as he sees the 25-year-old as a vital part of his squad.
But Barcelona are set to test that resolve with a bid of around £20 million this week. Reports claim that due to Liverpool's spiralling debts, they may be forced to sell Mascherano to give Benitez money to spend in the transfer market.
And Pellegrino, a first-team coach with the Reds, admits there is a possibility that Mascherano leaves if the European champions or Madrid make a big offer.
"Every time negotiations are underway, money always makes the decision," Pellegrino told a Spanish website.
"Anyway, Mascherano is such an important player for us, like other ones can be for Barca.
"I do not want to say anything about it because we already know that in football's world, nothing is impossible."
Mascherano joined Liverpool in 2007 after a disastrous loan spell at West Ham United.