Mascherano seeks permanent deal

Javier Mascherano hopes that his loan deal with Liverpool can be turned into a permanent move at the end of the season.

The Argentina international prepares for tomorrow's home clash with Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal intent on pushing Liverpool towards their first title in 17 years.

But his own future is already becoming a source of debate. The midfielder arrived from West Ham during last season on an 18-month loan with the prospect of a permanent deal to be discussed later.

Mascherano's move to West Ham — along with countryman Carlos Tevez — caused the Hammers and the Premier League major problems last season due to third party involvement in the deals.

Liverpool will have to negotiate with those same third party investors to sort out Mascherano's future, and already sources have started linking him with a move to Spain or Italy.

But Mascherano said: "Of course I would love to stay and I will do everything I can to see that this happens. It depends on what everyone decides at the end of the season.

"I have just got to make sure everyone is happy with my performances and they want me to stay. From a personal point of view, I want to be here to play in the new stadium.

"We are already one of the greatest clubs in the world, but with the plans for the future we could become the world's greatest team."

Mascherano knows, though, that the immediate objective is to recover from the Champions League nightmare of Besiktas in midweek that has cast a giant shadow over the club.

They may still be unbeaten in the domestic league this term, but a visit of the impressive Arsenal side will put much of Liverpool's ambitions, long and short term, under the microscope.

And Mascherano understands the desire of the Anfield fans to lift the title again.

He added: "I know how much it means to the fans to win the title after so long, and we want to win the league as much as they do, believe me.

"Everyone wants the league but we do not want to just put the Champions League to one side, certainly we need to make amends for what happened in midweek."

But first they must re-establish their credentials in the title race, with boss Rafael Benitez feeling the heat after an indifferent run at home and in Europe.

Mascherano said: "We have this strong belief and mentality here that we can do it in the league. But of all the leagues I have played in, and I always tell people this, the Premier League is by far the toughest.

"Every team can give you a run for your money. A lot of teams are quite even, but the good thing for us is that we have got great players and we have still to go to play all the teams above us."

He added: "This is a massive game, and the best thing is it will give us the chance to close the gap on the top. It's the sort our game in which we can prove we are ready for a season-long challenge for the title.

"I am not surprised by how well Arsenal have done this season, everyone knows they have great players. Perhaps the only thing that is surprising is how they've done with such a young squad.

"Most of their players have come through their youth system in one way or another, which is unusual for this country. They are playing some fantastic football right now, probably some of the best around at the moment."

Liverpool should have Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso back from injury, while Fabio Aurelio, Alvaro Arbeloa and Harry Kewell are all in contention.