Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants to keep Javier Mascherano at Anfield - and also plans to sign a new centre-back this month.Mascherano has been a big hit at Anfield since arriving last January on an 18-month loan deal.

But the Reds have yet to take up a £17million option to sign him permanently, leading to speculation he could end up elsewhere.

Benitez, however, is hoping that Mascherano, a target for the likes of Barcelona, will stay on Merseyside. The player himself has already said he wants to remain with the Reds.

"We know Juventus and other top sides are interested in him but we have the option," Benitez told the club's official website. "Javier is happy here and wants to stay. We will do our best to keep him here."

Benitez, meanwhile, says he is hoping to sign a centre-half during the January transfer window, and not a left-back.

He ruled out a move for Chelsea's Wayne Bridge, saying: "We are looking for a new centre-back, but we are not looking for a new left-back. And we are not looking to sell Sami Hyypia, either.

"We are working hard with the new owners and the chief executive to find an option."

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