Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida has revealed that centre back Javier Mascherano will not be transferring to Juventus.

The Turin club had been heavily linked with a move for the Argentine star in recent weeks, while the side also finally confirmed a deal for another Barca defender, Dani Alves, on Tuesday.

‘It is certain that Javier will not play for Juventus next season,’ Braida told Italian public broadcaster RAI. ‘He’ll stay with us.;

Alves, for his part, had welcomed the prospect of linking up with his former teammate in Italy.

‘He [Mascherano] is one of the players who I value the most. I usually talk about football with him and it would be a great honour for me to share this adventure with him,’ the Brazilian told AS.

Mascherano was a central part of the Argentina side who lost the recent Copa America final to Chile on penalties. That loss was the 32-year-old’s third final defeat with the side their last three attempts.

The defender made 40 appearances for Barcelona last term as the side romped to a league and cup double.