Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has warned FC Barcelona that they are fighting a losing battle in their efforts to lure Argentinian Javier Mascherano (25) to the Camp Nou, reports British tabloid ‘News of the World’ in a Saturday article.

The paper now claims Barcelona’s presidential candidates Sandro Rossell and Agosti Benedito are also planning on making the player’s signing their key election pledge, and Benitez is planning on denying them that opportunity.

Mascherano has been rumoured to be on Barcelona’s transfer target list since this summer but that request was reported as being incessantly rejected by the Kop’s boss.

Although the player was said to be unhappy with Liverpool’s decision at the time, Benitez thinks he’s winning over the midfielder with the promise of a new deal.

“One month ago, we have talked with him and his agent about our idea and his idea,” said Benitez.

“Everyone can see he’s doing really well and is back to his best. We were really pleased with the talk and we’re making progress. We have plenty of time (before contract expires) and we are happy with him and he is happier now, too.”

“He has two more years on his contract, we have talked before and we will sit down again sooner rather than later. The last conversations that we had were very positive.”