Barcelona defender
Javier Mascherano has been the latest major star tempted with a big
money move to China, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish
publication claims that the former Liverpool star recently received an
offer from an unnamed Chinese outfit worth €50m (£39m, $57m) in salary
but he immediately turned it down as he is likely to remain at the Nou
Camp.
The 32-year-old versatile defender
moved from the Merseyside's to La Liga giants in the summer of 2010 and
has since become into a crucial player for the club, winning three La
Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Champions League crowns.
Mascherano revealed two summers ago that he considered to
leave Barcelona to reunite with his former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez
at Napoli as he didn't want to have a secondary role at the Nou Camp.
Luis Enrique, however, convinced him to stay and the Argentinian has
remained as a vital player for the last season treble winners,
partnering Gerard Pique in the heart of the defence despite being
originally a midfielder.
Mundo Deportivo
claims that Mascherano has been once again tempted to leave Barcelona after receiving a €50m worth offer from a
Chinese club
to end his career in the Far East. Yet, this time the Spanish
publications claims that the former Liverpool star has now thought twice
about it and immediately rejected the proposal to continue in La Liga.
Barcelona, meanwhile, has publicly admitted they are looking
to sign a world class centre-back ahead of next season. Yet Luis
Enrique still wants Mascherano to stay as he is a crucial player both on
the pitch and off, having become one of the leaders of the dressing
room since the departure of Xavi Hernandez.
Mascherano's teammates Dani Alves and Arda Turan
have also been linked with a lucrative move to China in recent times
after the Far East made a huge impact during the last transfer window,
recruiting the likes of former Chelsea star Ramires, Jackson Martinez
and Alex Teixeira in deals worth £25m, £31m and £38.4 respectively.
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