Barcelona News: Mascherano Snubs Liverpool Return By Renewing His Deal

Javier Mascherano has signed a four-year extension at Barcelona ending any speculation about a possible return to Liverpool and the Premier League.

After Barcelona ended a disappointing season without silverware, the Argentinian international revealed he could be part of the big summer clear-out expected at the Nou Camp.

"The least important thing today is the future of Mascherano, Barcelona is what matters," Mascherano said at the end of the season. "An unrepeatable cycle has finished. The club will make decisions and changes but we have to accept that this season has not been the best."

Reports at the time claimed that his former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was considering taking him to Napoli while present Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was also keen on bringing him back to the Premier League.

However, Barcelona have put an end to any speculation by announcing a new four-year deal for the player.

"FC Barcelona is pleased to announce that agreement has been reached with Javier Mascherano to improve and extend his contract for another four seasons, until 30 June 2018, plus an option on a further season. The buy-out clause is 100 million euros (£81m, $136m)" the Catalan club stated on its official website.

The 29-year old spent three and a half seasons at Liverpool before moving to Barcelona in 2010 -- winning a Champions League runners-up medal in his first campaign at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to bolster his squad for the next campaign and hoped the 29-year-old would have offered much-needed experience for the Reds' Champions League campaign – having won the European trophy with the Catalans.

Liverpool have already signed Southampton striker Ricky Lambert and midfielder Emre Can – while reports in Spain claim that they may also complete the signing of Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno in the next few days.