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BARCELONA

Mascherano and Juventus reach "initial agreement"

Mascherano is believed to be close to reaching an agreement to join Juventus. Sources close to the Italian club acknowledge that the operation could go through soon.

Mascherano and Juventus reach "initial agreement"
Juan MedinaREUTERS

According to Catalan daily Sport, Juventus have reached an "initial agreement" with Javier Mascherano. The Argentine defender is one of the key figures within the azulgrana changing room. His place in the side could be taken by Deportivo central defender, Sidnei, who has rejected an offer to renew his contract with the Galicians and and is believed to be in Barcelona to undergo a medical and sign on the dotted line with Luis Enrique's team.

Sources close to Juventus acknowledge that the operation to take Macherano to Turin is underway. The Argentinean is under contract until 2018, which means he will need to reach and agreement not just with Juve but with Barça as well to release him. The deal is believed to be for three seasons with a substantial increase in his take-home pay.

Mascherano has made 51 appearances in official competition this season and has been a regular in Luis Enrique's defensive scheme. It remains to be seen when the Vecchia Signora will deploy him in central defence or midfield.