Benitez rules out selling Mascherano

(GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has ruled out selling midfielder Javier Mascherano to Barcelona.

Mascherano's agent was quoted as saying the Argentina international would welcome a move to the Nou Camp.

"It would make Javier very proud that a club like Barcelona pay him attention after such an incredible year. I believe a transfer would be feasible," Walter Tamer said.

But Benitez has dismissed the idea, insisting Mascherano is happy at Anfield.

"Mascherano has no price," the Spaniard told the club's website.

"Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool Football Club.

"We do not want to sell and Javier is very happy here.

"I have spoken to Javier two or three times this summer - the last time was only last week - and he was very happy, very positive.

"He gave me the private number of his agent, Walter Tamer, and again the conversation was very positive and was all about football.

"Walter told me that two clubs with big, big names were asking after Mascherano - and I told him to forget it, that Javier was happy in Liverpool and he was not for sale.

"So I was surprised to see the agent's comments today.

"He has a long contract and any club can forget about bidding for him. They can offer £40m or even £50m, we don't want to sell."