Mascherano agrees Barcelona deal

Barcelona have agreed a contract extension with Javier Mascherano to keep the Argentinian at Camp Nou until at least 2018.

The former Liverpool man moved to the club in 2010 and has been linked with a move to Napoli in recent months. 

However, the 29-year-old, who forms part of Argentina's FIFA World Cup squad, has committed his next four years to Barca with an option to extend that for a further season. 

The agreement also includes a €100 million buyout clause and follows on from team-mates Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi in signings fresh terms. 

Being able to tie down the experienced trio will likely serve Luis Enrique well as he approaches his first season in charge at the club. 

Mascherano has been used regularly by a number of Luis Enrique's predecessors - making 184 appearances for the club since arriving from Anfield.

In that time he has won eight titles including the UEFA Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey.

He and Barca endured a torrid season last term as Gerardo Martino was only able to secure the Supercopa de Espana, and subsequently resigned after failing to overcome Atletico Madrid in a winner-take-all season-ending Liga clash at Camp Nou.