Lionel Messi demands Barcelona to not sell Javier Mascherano

Mascherano, 33, is approaching the tail end of his career. But Spanish outlet Diario Gol claims Lionel Messi doesn't want his Argentina team-mate to be sold. Last summer Catalan Giants let there veteran defender Dani Alves leave for Juventus, only for the Brazil star to shine in Serie A and lead his team to the Champions League final. That was particularly frustrating for the Catalan giants as they struggled at left-back position themselves in 2016/17. And Diario Gol say Messi is keen for the same situation not to arise again next season. Their report claims that the Catalan Giants talisman want Mascherano to operate as a rotational player behind Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique in the pecking order. Diario Gol’s report claims that Ernesto Valverde’s side are set to make a move for Paris St-German midfielder Marco Verratti along with Everton loanee and former Barca player Gerard Deulofeu. Verratti is expected to command a hefty transfer fee, though, which could lead to some...