Mascherano and Reina set for new Liverpool deals

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident midfielder Javier Mascherano and goalkeeper Jose Reina will sign new contracts with the club before the end of the season.

Argentina captain Mascherano was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer but Benitez is convinced the player now wants to stay at Anfield.

"I was talking with him and his agent the other day and it is true Javier is happier," Benitez said. "The conversations were very positive. When you talk with Javier he is very settled and happy.

"Everyone knew about some clubs (being interested in him) but talking with us he was fine."

Asked if a deal would be struck before the end of the season, the Spaniard added: "I think so."

Benitez said Reina's commitment to a new deal was "100%".

"Pepe is another key player and it is 100% he will continue with us," he added. "Everything is very close. I think we will have news about Reina and Mascherano very soon."