Anfield Red

Rafael Benitez says initial talks over a new deal for Javier Mascherano have been positive; and that Mascherano himself is happy at Anfield.

Mascherano is back to his best having not had the best start to the season, which has increased speculation that Barcelona are due to come in with a bid for him, but Rafa is confident a new contract will be agreed: With Javier we are progressing. We have to talk again with his agent and then start talking about details. It was positive and Javier is happy now so I think it will be easier to progress.