[quote author=Brendan link=topic=41519.msg1159801#msg1159801 date=1282581119]
[quote author=jono@home link=topic=41519.msg1159798#msg1159798 date=1282580985]
Skysports.com understands there are fresh doubts surrounding Javier Mascherano's future at Liverpool amid reports he has refused to play against Manchester City.
Mascherano has expressed a wish to leave Anfield before the close of the transfer window for personal reasons and has been linked with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is hoping to hold on to the midfielder, but has stressed the club will not sell the 26-year-old on the cheap.
Hodgson stated last week that the Reds had not received any offers for the Argentina international, but reports now claim Barcelona have made a bid.
It is understood that Barca's offer has been rejected and that has led to claims that Mascherano will not feature against City on Monday night as a result.
The former West Ham man started Liverpool's opening 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal, but missed the Europa League tie through Trabzonspor through injury.
His place in the team to take on potential title rivals City is likely to be taken by Lucas, who filled in for Mascherano against Trabzonspor.
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This is so, so disappointing, in so, so many ways.
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Least of all because all the pre-match talk will now be about this, adding even more pressure on us to perform.