Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident Argentina international midfielder Javier Mascherano will be staying at Anfield.The World Cup 2006 star has been on loan with the Reds since January 2007, and his 18-month deal runs out in the summer.

So far Liverpool have failed to pick up the £17million option to buy him outright, and now Italian giants Juventus are reportedly interested.

But Benitez says he is confident Mascherano will stay, and admits the potential sale of Mohamed Sissoko - ironically to Juve - could help finance any permanent deal.

"It could help," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We don't have too much news but we are working with Momo Sissoko and I think we are close to a final solution which will be good for him and the club.

"I have confidence Mascherano will stay with us. I don't know the exact position now but I talked to the player yesterday and he wants to stay.

"I have had some contact with the owners. We were talking before about Sissoko and Mascherano. We are working and being pro-active."

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