Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson losing fight to keep Javier Mascherano
JAVIER MASCHERANO is set to join Barcelona this week after Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson said he would not pick him before the transfer window closes.
Hodgson left the Argentina midfielder, 26, out of the squad for the Premier League defeat at Manchester City last night.

And he will not be considered for Thursday's Europa Cup qualifier at Trabzonspor or the home game against West Brom on Sunday.

Barcelona are believed to have made a derisory £12million bid last night but should come up with the £18m it will take to net him - matching the fee Liverpool paid West Ham two years ago.

Hodgson insists Mascherano has not refused to play, saying he has been left out because he was not in the right frame of mind.

But a desire to prevent him picking up an injury when he is determined to leave must also have been a big consideration.

Hodgson said: "Hopefully matters will be resolved before the end of the transfer window and I'll be able to pick him again. I don't know where he is tonight but he's not here with us.

"There is some speculation about his future and at the moment his mind is not right and it was not right to select him.

"But until there is an offer that matches our valuation, he'll stay with us."



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