Carlos Tevez would have been ideal for Barcelona, says Javier Mascherano

Barcelona utility-man Javier Mascherano admits he would have loved fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez to have joined him at the Nou Camp during last month’s transfer window.

Reports in Spain claimed Barca were offered Tevez's services after the Manchester City rebel saw moves to Paris Saint Germain, AC Milan and Internazionale fall through, but the Spanish giants declined.

Mascherano though believes taht Tevez, 27, would have thrived in the enviroment created by Pep Guardiola at the Catalan club “I read something about the possibility last week,” he said. “I’ve known Carlos for a long time. He is a great player who could add a lot to any team.

“It is a difficult situation and I would like to see him playing somewhere, wherever that might be. I know that he is not happy not playing. Obviously I would like to play alongside him.”

Mascherano was talking ahead of Barca’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Valencia at the Nou Camp this Wednesday. The Catalans are favourites after securing a 1-1 draw in last week’s away first leg despite Lionel Messi’s penalty miss.

However, the Argentine international said nothing had yet been decided. “We know that it will be very difficult,” he said. “We cannot rely on the result from the Mestalla. We must go out with the mentality to win the game. In any moment they can score and that would totally change the tie.”

The ex-Liverpool man’s versatility may be required again this week. Barca’s usual midfield ‘pivote’ Sergio Busquets has had 15 stitches inserted in the shin injury sustained during Saturday’s nervy 2-1 home win over Real Sociedad, while Seydou Keita remains on African Cup of Nations duty with Mali.

Club captain Carles Puyol was also substituted on Saturday, so central defence is another possible starting position. Mascherano said he had no problem with his role as a squad player at Barca. “I hope that Busquets recovers and is ready for tomorrow,” he said. “If he is not and I have to play that position I will do the best as I can. Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué are first choices as they are the best central defensive pairing in the world. “Last season I played important games because of injuries. I have to be ready for when I am needed.”