Hunt for Javier begins

Javier Mascherano has been one of the top performers this season for Barcelona, and the Argentinian international has been a mainstay at the heart of Luis Enrique’s side and one of the first names on the team sheet. But is his time at the Camp Nou coming to an end?

If Sport are to be believed, then the midfielder turned centre-half could soon be packing his bags for pastures new. There a number of inquiries into the availability of the player but there is one firm offer on the table, from Italian giants Juventus.

The Italian champions have been in talks for weeks about the transfer, and even though the player himself would like to stay at the Camp Nou, the offer on the table from Juve is extremely attractive. The length of the contract is most desirable aspect of the big offer as it would allow Mascherano to continue at the highest level for many more years.

The Italian champions have been in talks for weeks about the transfer, and even though the player himself would like to stay at the Camp Nou, the offer on the table from Juve is extremely attractive. The length of the contract is most desirable aspect of the big offer as it would allow Mascherano to continue at the highest level for many more years.

The 31-year-old’s contract expires in 2018 and has a buyout clause of €100million but if the player wishes to leave then Barcelona may not stand in his way as funds are needed to restructure the back four, as well as bring in a striker. The other inquiries have come from England, Turkey and China, but these clubs wouldn’t be at the same level as recently crowned Scudetto winners Juventus.