Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has agreed a move to Hebei China Fortune and the deal could be announced on Tuesday, say reports in Spain.
The Argentine will remain at the Camp Nou until the end of January before moving to the Chinese Super League club as Barca wait on Samuel Umtiti’s return from injury, according to Diario Sport.
The 33-year-old was reportedly adamant he wanted to leave the Blaugrana in January, with the Chinese club set to receive €7m annually in wages, a €1m increase on his current deal.
Mascherano has been out-of-favour at the club most of the season, falling behind Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique in the pecking order at the Blaugrana.
Hebei China Fortune are managed by former Real Madrid Coach Manuel Pellegrini while they currently have former Sevilla midfielder Stephane Mbia and Gervinho – formerly of Arsenal and Roma – alongside Ezequiel Lavezzi, formerly of PSG.
Thomas Vermaelen is currently playing due to injuries to the Argentine and Umtiti, while the club are thought to be trying to sign Colombian defender Yerry Mina in January.
