Liverpool and Barca agree fee for Mascherano

The official site state that: "The Spanish club have now been given permission to speak to the Argentina midfielder."

Barcelona also confirm, via their website that Mascherano is on his way.

"The deal was closed after intensive efforts made by the club in the final hours and through the player himself in the negotiations," it reads.

"Barcelona will report the details of the operation once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded.

"It is hoped Javier Mascherano will arrive in Barcelona this weekend."