Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez expects Javier Mascherano to soon sign his new contract.

The Argentina international intimated last week he was ready to pen new terms.

Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv: "We are working hard behind the scenes. It is closer and I am happy. The last conversation I had with him was very positive and he knows we are trying to improve the club. It is close and hopefully we can do it sooner rather than later.

"He has improved a lot. He is a player who is keen to learn and his commitment is 100 per cent, so the fans love him because of this. Also, the staff know that if you try to improve him in a different way, he will listen to you and then try to do what you say."