Barcelona's Opening Bid For Mascherano Is Rejected

Goal.com UK and Skysports.com have reported that Liverpool have rejected an opening bid to buy the 26 year old argentine. There Opening bid was £18.8 Million and Alexander Hleb after Hleb failed to make an impression at Barcelona.

Liverpool has said that they want at least £24.5 million for the Holding Midfielder.

In an Interview after the 3-0 loss to manchester city Roy Hodgson said " He's not been here tonight because obvouisly there is some speculation about his future and at the moment his mind isn't right, so it wasn't correct to selct him " Hodgson then went on to saying " Hopefully matters will get resolved, certainly before the end of the transfer window and I'll have a chance to pick him again "

Barcelona are expected to make a improved second bid within the next 48 hours as they close in on the transfer which they hope they will complete by the end of this week.

It is already understood that Mascherano has agreed personal terms with the club.

On skysports.com Guardiola confirmed that he wants to bring Mascherano to the Nuo Camp, But is now unsure how close an agreement will be. When asked how close a deal was Guardiola added " You'll have to ask Zubizarreta " who is the sporting director. The Barcelona manager also metioned if they found a Defensive Midfielder then the needs of the team will be resolved and he would be satisfied.

Although he did training with liverpool on tuesday he has expressed his desire to leave

will barca step up the bid ? Only time will tell