Mascherano reveals transfer enquiries

The Argentine admits he would willingly leave the club should it deem him surplus to requirements and believes the team must look to bolster its defense

Javier Mascherano has revealed he has received enquiries from other clubs during his time with Barcelona and would be prepared to leave should the Liga champions no longer need him.

The Argentina international joined Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2010 for 24 million euros and has been used primarily in central defense due to the Catalans' strength in midfield and fragility at the back.

The 29-year-old admits there were tentative calls from interested parties during the past three seasons and, while he insists he will always determine to fight for his place in the side, he confesses he would be prepared to move on should Barca deem him surplus to requirements.

"You never know," he told El Pais when asked about a potential transfer. "In football, you have to be prepared for anything. There were calls from somewhere else, but no offers.

"There are always doubts. You are at Barcelona and you have to fight for your place. The question is whether you now fight in the same circumstances, as I have have always had to win my starting place throughout my career. It's as it should be.

"If Barca tell me they don't need me, I will be off within a minute."

Gerardo Martino is thought to be keen on bolstering the club's defense this summer, with Chelsea defender David Luiz linked with a potential move to Camp Nou after the team's interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Thiago Silva cooled, and Mascherano believes such investment could prove vital.

"You always have to improve as much as possible. I understand it perfectly. The reality is we have suffered a lot in this position," he added.