Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has reportedly hinted that he would prefer to end his professional career with hometown club River Plate. The Argentina international has more than 18 months left on his Barca contract, but he is already weighing up his next challenge away from Camp Nou.

Speaking to reporters, the Argentina was in favour of making a comeback with River Plate without leaving a mention for ex-club Liverpool, he said: "I believe I need to give a chapter of my career to River Plate. My problem is this is not guaranteed and I could be a prisoner of my own words, if the move does not happen I may be accused of lying. But the truth is that this is what I have thought about, but I have a good relationship with the club’s president Rodolfo D’Onofrio and we speak regularly. What will I be doing in January or summer? I have no idea."

Mascherano has been a brilliant servant for Barcelona since his switch from Anfield in the summer of 2010, but he has fallen down the pecking order this term with Samuel Umtiti leaving up to his potential. The former Lyon graduate has commanded a regular spot alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barcelona defence, and this has seen Mascherano warm the bench on a regular basis.

Spanish reports have already suggested that the veteran could be released from his contract at the end of the season with Barcelona likely to pursue a young centre-back, who could take up his position in the first-team squad. The 33-year-old has the option of pushing through a winter exit from Ernesto Valverde's side, but he is unlikely to take the risk with the World Cup coming along next summer. Mascherano is currently the second-most capped player in Argentina's history, and he is just three appearances shy of matching Javier Zanetti's record.