Javier Mascherano set to leave Barcelona

JAVIER MASCHERANO could be one of the major casualties of the proposed summer revolution at Barcelona, according to reports in Turkey.

With a new manager arriving at the end of the season, the core of the side practically the same as that which won the Champions League in 2011 — and is set to fall at the quarter-final stage this time around, it is thought big changes could be afoot.

One of the players possibly leaving the Nou Camp could be Mascherano, with Sozcu claiming Galatasaray have contacted the Argentine’s representatives to sound out his availability.

And the report goes on to suggest initial contact between the two parties was positive — and a deal for just over £4million could be arranged.

With Galatasaray prepared to offer the 32-year-old a two-year contract.

Mascherano’s current Nou Camp deal runs out in 2019 and, despite having a buy-out clause of £85m, Barca would allow him to leave for much less.

The Argentine midfielder-turned-defender has been a stalwart for club and country.

He excelled at Liverpool in the middle of the park, before joining Barcelona in 2010 and having the unenviable task of moving further back and replacing Carles Puyol alongside Gerard Pique.

However, he has proven more than an able substitute, having won La Liga four times, the Copa del Rey three times and the Champions League twice.

With Argentina, Mascherano was nominated for the Player of the Tournament award at the 2014 World Cup.