Report: Luis Enrique to block Javier Mascherano move

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique will reportedly block Napoli's attempts to sign Javier Mascherano.

The Argentine international has been strongly linked with a move to Italy in recent weeks due to his reluctance to play at centre-back for another season.

It is understood that negotiations are at an advanced stage, but according to Sport, Enrique sees the former Liverpool midfielder as a key part of his squad for the 2014-15 campaign and is ready to pull the plug.

The same report has claimed that Mascherano could sign an improved deal at the Camp Nou.

The 29-year-old's current contract in Spain expires in 2016.