Javier Mascherano has revealed that he keeps in regular contact with Napoli coach Rafael Benitez, but has no intention of swapping Barcelona for Serie A in the near future.

Mascherano has been linked with a switch to the San Paolo in recent weeks, primarily due to the close relationship he enjoyed with Azzurri coach Benitez at Liverpool.

The Argentine international has revealed that he nearly linked up with Benitez during his short spell at Inter Milan, but is happy with life at the Camp Nou for now.

He told El Grafico: "I always talk with him. Before signing for Barcelona I came close to joining Benitez at Inter.

"Would I now join him at Napoli? I'm fine here and he knows that."

The 29-year-old has spent most of the last three seasons with Barca as a converted central defender, helping the Catalan giants win two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown.