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Liverpool have revealed that are set to sell midfielder Javier Mascherano to Barcelona after the two clubs agreed a fee.
The Argentine international had reportedly refused to play for Liverpool in the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City and made his intentions clear that he wanted to leave Merseyside.
The combative central midfielder has been in high demand with Inter Milan yesterday confirming that they had made an offer of £20m. However, Liverpool have been reluctant to sell any player to former boss Rafael Benitez.
A statement on the Catalan giants website confirmed a deal is now in place. "The clubs have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Mascherano for the next four seasons.
"The deal was closed after intensive efforts made by the club in the final hours and through the player himself in the negotiations.
Barcelona will report the details of the operation once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded.It is hoped Javier Mascherano will arrive in Barcelona this weekend."
The 26-year-old has spoke of his desire to leave Liverpool in recent weeks and it appears that Roy Hodgson has been left no choice but to cash in on the former West Ham player.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has been eager to replace the departed Yaya Toure and identified Mascherano as the perfect foil. A figure of £12m plus Alexander Hleb was reported earlier in the week but the Anfield outfit had made it clear they value the player at £20m.
