Mascherano extends deal with Barca

Barcelona: Argentine international midfielder Javier Mascherano has extended his deal with Barcelona by two seasons through to June 2016, the club revealed on their website on Friday.

Mascherano arrived from Liverpool two years ago, initially to play in deep midfield although more recently he has doubled in central defence.

The club praised Mascherano’s commitment and said he had a “fundamental role in the dressing room”.