register to 888sport
888sport time:

General Sports News

Rafa warns off Masch bidders

Author: Rose Young
Date: 10/06/2009

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has warned potential bidders that midfielder Javier Mascherano is not for sale at any price, amid rumours of interest from Barcelona.

The 25-year-old Argentina international has been linked with Barca in recent days, but Benitez is in no mood to part with one of his key players.

He told the club's official website: "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."

Meanwhile, Russia international midfielder Yuri Zhirkov has admitted that his first-choice destination this summer would be the Camp Nou rather than Chelsea.

The 25-year-old CSKA Moscow ace has been linked with both Barca and the Blues in recent times, but clearly prefers the idea of joining the current Spanish and European champions.

He told Sport Express: "I would prefer to join Barcelona, but that does not automatically mean I would turn down Chelsea."

AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo has dropped a hint that he may consider a summer switch to Chelsea and follow Carlo Ancelotti to Stamford Bridge.

The 30-year-old Italy international is rumoured to be high on former Milan coach Ancelotti's wish-list, with Pirlo seemingly considering a change of clubs following Kaka's world record switch to Real Madrid from the San Siro.

Wales winger Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of the rest of the British & Irish Lions' tour of South Africa due to a thigh injury.

The 20-year-old had joined the squad late due to the same problem and has suffered a recurrence during training, although no replacement will be called up.

Meanwhile, the Lions have called up Wales flanker Ryan Jones to replace the injured Stephen Ferris.

The 23-year-old Ulsterman tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in training on Tuesday and will play no more part in the South Africa tour.

Defending champions Leinster have been handed a favourable set of group fixtures following the draw for next season's Heineken Cup.

Leinster, who overcame Leicester Tigers in last month's final, have been drawn alongside London Irish, Scarlets and Brive in Pool Six.

Meanwhile, Pool Three sees Leicester paired with old rivals Ospreys plus Clermont and Viadana.

Cardiff Blues and Harlequins have been handed tricky draws after being placed in Pool Five alongside Sale and former champions Toulouse.

India batsman Virender Sehwag has been ruled out of the rest of the ICC World Twenty20 due to a shoulder injury.

The explosive 30-year-old right-hander missed India's opening victory over Bangladesh and will now return home to be replaced by Dinesh Karthik.

online betting