Barcelona: Javier Mascherano signs new contract until 2018

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has signed a new four-year contract with the Spanish league runners-up.

The Argentina international, who is part of his nation's World Cup squad, had been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp this summer.

His new deal includes the option for a further season and a buyout clause of 100m euros (£81m).

Mascherano, 29, has played 184 matches for Barcelona since his arrival from Liverpool in August 2010.

Barcelona finished second in La Liga last season, three points behind Atletico Madrid.