Mascherano passes Barcelona medical

Javier Mascherano has passed his medical as he puts the finishing touches on his move from Liverpool to Barcelona

The Argentina international underwent separate tests at the Hospital de Barcelona and at the Nou Camp earlier on Monday and, after getting the thumbs up from Barcelona's medical team, he was tonight due to sign a four-year contract with the Spanish champions.

Club doctor Ricard Pruna told Barca TV: "It was an exhaustive medical that lasted around five hours. He is in excellent condition and is physically great."

He added: "His cardiovascular level is perfect and he is a player who has had very few injuries. In the last five years he has suffered one injury that has left him with problems."

The 26-year-old Mascherano will reportedly cost Barca 22 million euros (£18 million).