Mascherano’s agent claims the player has grown tired of life in England

Javier Mascherano agent Walter Tamer claims the Liverpool midfielder is keen to move to Spain as he has grown 'tired of life in England'.

The Argentina International has been the subject of much press speculation in Argentinean, British and Spanish press with clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly interested in securing the Red enforcer. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has made it clear that he is no intention of letting the player leave the club, saying £50 million would not be enough to part with the fan favourite.

However, Mascherano’s representative, Walter Tamer, has claimed the 25-year-old has grown unsettled in the Premier League and is eager to move abroad, reports Sky Sports.

Tamer quoted at Argentinean website Infobae.com stated:

"Barcelona is the easiest deal to set up as Javier wants to go to Spain. He is tired of life in England.”

"His wife has not been given a permanent visa. She has to go through an odyssey each time she wants to go.

"Liverpool refuse to sell, this can be overcome with an extraordinary offer."

Mascherano is not for sale declares Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has responded to comments made by Javier Mascherano’s agent Walter Tamer, who yesterday proclaimed: “It is an honour for Javier that a club like Barca to pay such close attention to him. I believe that a transfer would be feasible. If Barca really want him, he will sign for them.” Clearly this statement was bound to draw an immediate response from the Liverpool boss who cut short a family holiday to make it clear the midfielder was not for sale.

Speaking in today’s Telegraph, Benitez declared: "Mascherano has no price. 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."

As stated in yesterday’s Mascherano story, I’m convinced this is nothing more then a blatant attempt to wrestle an improved wage out of the club for the player, which the agent will no doubt earn a commission from.

Mascherano’s agent says "if Barcelona want him, he will sign for them"

Javier Mascherano’s agent Walter Tamer, says his client would accept an offer from Champions League winners Barcelona should they make a move for him states today’s Times. The story goes on to quote Tamer who says:

“If a club like Barcelona want to bring you into their ranks after having completed such a brilliant season and having won everything, obviously as a player, you are going to say, 'Yes, I want to play there'. It is an honour for Javier that a club like Barca to pay such close attention to him. I believe that a transfer would be feasible. If Barca really want him, he will sign for them. He would have a very easy job at Barca. Sometimes we talk and joke that the only thing he has to do is run, rob the ball, and pass it on to all the superstars in front of him. What if Xabi Alonso also leaves? Surely, Rafael Benitez would not want to have both his central midfielders go. It will be difficult, although Xabi's future does not depend on Mascherano and vice-versa.”

It is my strong suspicion that Mascherano’s agent is looking to increase his client’s wages and in turn earn himself commission for any new salary improvement. Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt, Agger and Benitez himself have all recently signed new deals and possibly Tamer feels his client deserves one also. But with Mascherano only signing a four year deal sixteen months ago, an improved contract may not be forthcoming.