Javier Mascherano will not leave Liverpool this summer.
The Argentina captain has been linked with a move to European Champions Barcelona for most of the summer, but with the likelyhood of Xabi Alonso's exit to Real Madrid increasing, Benitez is adamant he will not lose both of his midfield pairing.
Mascherano will join up with his team mates in Switzerland later this week, and will be told he is a key member of a squad that will challenge for the Premier League next season.
Benitez has been a long term admirer of the combative midfielder's talents and will not want to sell a player he regards as one of the finest defensive screeners in world football.
Reports have claimed Mascherano has been offered contract extension, although it is understood, this is not the case. Mascherano is just 18 months into a 4 year deal he signed when his loan from West Ham United was made permanent in February 2008.
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