Roy Hodgson insists Javier Mascherano can still have a future at Liverpool Football Club.

The Argentine international has been heavily linked with a move to Internazionale, who are coached by former Reds manager Rafael Benitez.

Hodgson revealed last week that he has tried t contact the 26-year-old but thus far has received no reply, sparking claims the player is ignoring his new boss.

However, the former Fulham chief has now moved to clarify the situation, and he insists he is not expecting the South American to contact him as there is no need.

"He doesn't need to make contact with me," said Hodgson. "I've made contact with him telling him I'm looking forward to seeing him in training when he returns from his holiday.

“I did make the point in the voicemail that I didn't expect him to contact me. I didn't ask him to call me back. I don't have a lot to say to him, to be honest, other than 'Welcome back'."

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