Barcelona star Javier Mascherano turns down big-money offer worth £39m to move to China

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has been the latest major star tempted with a big money move to China, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish publication claims that the former Liverpool star recently received an offer from an unnamed Chinese outfit worth €50m (£39m, $57m) in salary but he immediately turned it down as he is likely to remain at the Nou Camp.

The 32-year-old versatile defender moved from the Merseyside's to La Liga giants in the summer of 2010 and has since become into a crucial player for the club, winning three La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Champions League crowns.

Mascherano revealed two summers ago that he considered to leave Barcelona to reunite with his former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez at Napoli as he didn't want to have a secondary role at the Nou Camp. Luis Enrique, however, convinced him to stay and the Argentinian has remained as a vital player for the last season treble winners, partnering Gerard Pique in the heart of the defence despite being originally a midfielder.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Mascherano has been once again tempted to leave Barcelona after receiving a €50m worth offer from a Chinese club to end his career in the Far East. Yet, this time the Spanish publications claims that the former Liverpool star has now thought twice about it and immediately rejected the proposal to continue in La Liga.

Barcelona, meanwhile, has publicly admitted they are looking to sign a world class centre-back ahead of next season. Yet Luis Enrique still wants Mascherano to stay as he is a crucial player both on the pitch and off, having become one of the leaders of the dressing room since the departure of Xavi Hernandez.

Mascherano's teammates Dani Alves and Arda Turan have also been linked with a lucrative move to China in recent times after the Far East made a huge impact during the last transfer window, recruiting the likes of former Chelsea star Ramires, Jackson Martinez and Alex Teixeira in deals worth £25m, £31m and £38.4 respectively.