Mascherano begs to stay

Last updated : 01 January 2008 By Adam Bryant
His 18-month loan spell from West Ham United expires in the summer and with no first option clause Rafael Benitez is having to pay full price for the Argentinian midfielder.

"With the time that has passed it will now be more difficult for me to stay here because I need to do something about my future," he said.

"It is a really difficult situation because I have been talking a lot about how I want to stay here but, now, it doesn't depend on me.

"I have done everything to stay but now the owners have to decide if they want to buy me or not. They have to decide.

"I want to stay but it doesn't depend on me and it will be difficult because of the amount of time that has passed and I need to do something about my future."