Confidential: Mascherano one step away from completing China move

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano could complete his move to Chinese side Hebei Fortune on Tuesday. The Argentine, though, will continue at the Catalan club until the end of January, a condition made by Barça as they wait for Samuel Umtiti to return from an injury. 

Mascherano revealed his desire to leave the club a few weeks ago due to his lack of minutes in Ernesto Valverde's side. And after receiving a big offer from the Chinese Super League, he took the decision to leave in January. But that decision arrived at the same moment Umtiti was ruled out for eight weeks. 

After talks, Barça have given in to Mascherano's wish, but the Argentine, who has now recovered from an injury, has also committed to spending a few more weeks at the club until Umtiti is back in action or Barcelona have signed a replacement. 

Barça play Real Madrid on Saturday and then have just over a week off before a heavy schedule of fixtures in January, with Copa del Rey games in midweek and La Liga games at weekends.