Report: Javier Mascherano to be handed Barcelona captaincy

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is reportedly strongly considering handing Javier Mascherano the captaincy at the Camp Nou next season.

With Carlos Puyol and Victor Valdes both leaving this summer, the Catalan outfit are currently without a permanent skipper for the new campaign.

Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi were believed to be the three strong favourites for the role due to their standing in the dressing room.

However, according to various reports in Spain, Mascherano, who starred for Argentina at the World Cup, is now Enrique's preferred choice.

It is understood that Mascherano will be deployed in a midfield role next season rather than at the centre of the defence.