Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is set to see Javier Mascherano being inducted as a permanent player at Anfield, and claims it’s “maybe hours” before that happens.

After much speculation, although the Argentina international midfielder had maintained that he is keen to stay at Anfield, the 23-year-old is now close to getting a contract as his existing loan was set to expire in the summer.

"It's nearly done, it's very close, maybe hours" said Benitez on the club’s official website.

"We have confidence. The player is very pleased and it will be fantastic news for the club.

"I think everybody knows Mascherano is a key player for us. He gives to us balance. When we talk about the position of Gerrard, Mascherano can give him the freedom.

"Also if you want to change we have Xabi Alonso and also Lucas Leiva, so we have now four midfielders with quality. I think it will be one of the best central midfields in the world if you talk about these four players.

"It shows that at least we are progressing and going forward. I think we are going in the right direction in terms of signing the players that we need and the business that we need to do."