Javier Mascherano is on the verge of extending his contract with Barcelona until 2016.

The former Liverpool man’s current deal runs until 2014 but he is keen to extend his stay in the Catalan capital.

He said: “(The new deal) is on the right track and I hope it will be closed shortly. I am happy, I feel valued and I want to continue for many years. Signing for Barca was the best decision of my life. I have won people’s confidence and now I want to maintain it.”

The Argentina international also hinted that his future lies at the back rather than the holding midfield role he deployed in England and previously in his homeland.

“In this club I feel more comfortable playing as a central defender than a midfielder but I will play where I am asked,” he said.

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