Mascherano set for China

Catalan publication 'Sport' reports that there is no going back now, with both club president Jose Maria Bartomeu and general manager Pep Segura both giving the green light for the player to head for pastures new.

Mascherano revealed in a recent interview that he was considering his future as he has dropped down the pecking order at the Camp Nou, explaining that 'one must search for one's own happiness.'

The Argentina international is hoping that regular football between now and the summer will ensure him a place in the Albiceleste's World Cup squad.

It appears that China will be the former Liverpool man's destination, with Hebei Fortune thought to be putting the finishig touches to a deal to bring the experienced utility man to the far east.

Providing the Chinese side meet their demands, Barca will not attempt to block the move in any way, though they would have preferred to keep hold of Mascherano at least until the end of the season.

In light of Mascherano's imprending departure, Barca are likely to push on with their move for Palmeiras' Yerry Mina, a player who the club initially had pencilled in for a summer switch.