Barcelona star Lionel Messi has urged his club to sign Liverpool (14/1 to win the Premier League) midfielder Javier Mascherano before the transfer window closes.

The Catalan club missed out on top summer target Cesc Fabregas and Mascherano could be a good replacement until the Arsenal captain makes his potential move back to the Nou Camp.

Messi has called for the Argentina skipper to join him at Barca (4/5 to win La Liga) ahead of the new Spanish season.

He said: “The ‘little captain’ would be a great boost for Barca.

“He has the quality to play for Barcelona and his character would fit in perfectly at the club.”

Mascherano featured for Liverpool in their opening Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday but came off during the match at Anfield after picking up a slight muscle injury that is not thought to be serious.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed that the player does want to leave the club with Italian giants Inter Milan and Barca set to do battle for his signature.