Barcelona defence in turmoil as Javier Mascherano 'agrees three-year deal with Juventus' and Dani Alves 'considers future'

 

• Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves could leave Barcelona this summer 
• Catalans would be left facing a defensive crisis if the South Americans left 
• Technical director Robert Fernandez has already met with club hierarchy
• Barca hold an interest in PSG's Marquinhos and Athletic's Aymeric Laporte

Javier Mascherano has dealt Barcelona a major blow by agreeing a three-year contract with Juventus as the Argentinian looks set to leave the club this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Barcelona-based daily sports newspaper Sport report that Mascherano and the Serie A champions have reached a verbal agreement that will see the defender net a considerable raise in wages.

But the publication claim that Barcelona have no intention of selling Mascherano, who is a key part of Luis Enrique's side. 

Barca's summer transfer plans are in real danger of being thrown into chaos by the news that Mascherano wants to leave while Dani Alves is also considering quitting the club.

Javier Mascherano has verbally agreed to join Juventus this summer, according to reports in Spain

Mascherano leaving would come as a huge blow to Barcelona and their manager Luis Enrique

The Brazilian right back is unsure over his Nou Camp futures and and any delay in committing to the club could have a knock-on effect on their transfer business.

Mundo Deportivo report that uncertainty over the futures of Mascherano and Alves – two first team defenders – is interrupting the club's transfer plans.

They claim that Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez has already met with the club's hierarchy to discuss the possibility of the break-up of Luis Enrique's back four.

The club are already in the market for two new defenders with Marc Bartra and Thomas Vermaelen set to leave the club during the summer window.

Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday that Mascherano and Dani Alves are considering their futures

Brazilian right back Alves has one year remaining on the two-year deal he signed last summer

Barcelona hold an interest in PSG defender Marquinhos and Athletic Bilbao centre back Aymeric Laporte, although there is a feeling the latter will join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The loss of Alves and Mascherano, who have been at Barca for eight and six years respectively, would force the club to strengthen the defence even further this summer.

Brazilian right back Alves has one year remaining on the two-year contract he signed last summer while former Liverpool midfielder-turned-defender Mascherano has two years to run on his deal.

Speaking on Tuesday, Alves refused to commit his future to the club. He said: 'In life, all I think is in my ability. I can not guarantee anything.

'I live my daily life, there is no tomorrow, now only exists today.'