Alonso has been linked with Real Madrid, who have not hidden their admiration for the Spain midfielder, and Argentinian Mascherano is reported to be a target of Barcelona.

Madrid's young strikers Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno have been suggested as makeweights in any possible deal for Alonso.

However Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez considers his midfield pair to be integral to the club's plans for next season, recently stating that Barcelona "could not afford" Mascherano and that Alonso was "not for sale" and the club backed Benitez by indicating any approaches for the pair will be firmly rejected.

In a statement on their official website, Liverpool said: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.

"Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."

Alonso was rumoured to be surplus to requirements at the start of last season when Liverpool were chasing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

However the collapse of that proposed deal gave a new lease of life to theSpaniard who was hugely influential in the Anfield engine room as they mounted a concerted title challenge, scoring four goals in 33 Barclays Premier League appearances.

Mascherano played 27 times using his experience as Argentina captain to bolster the Merseysiders' midfield.

www.liverpoolfc.tv