Liverpool have moved to quash reports that Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are set to leave Anfield this summer.
Liverpool determined to keep Alonso and Mascherano
Liverpool have moved to quash reports that Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are set to leave Anfield this summer.
Argentina international Mascherano has been linked with Barcelona amid reports that his wife has struggled to settle on Merseyside.
And Spain midfielder Alonso is just the latest in a long line of players believed to be on Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's lengthy and expensive summer wish-list.
Madrid's young strikers Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno have been suggested as makeweights in any possible deal for Alonso.
No interest
Reds boss Rafa Benitez recently stating that Barcelona "could not afford" Mascherano and that Alonso was "not for sale" as he sees the midfield duo as key to his plans for next season.
And Liverpool backed Benitez to the hilt on Sunday by indicating any approaches for the pair will be firmly rejected.
In a statement on their
official website, Liverpool said: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.
"Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."
