Liverpool finally seal Gonzales

Liverpool have agreed to sign Albacete winger Mark Gonzales on a long-term contract, provided he obtains a work permit or European passport.

Gonzales was due to join the Reds on a season-long loan in the summer, despite a cruciate knee ligament injury, but was originally denied a work permit.

His cause has been helped, however, by his country's rise in the world rankings and Liverpool are not expected to encounter any more red tape as they bid to clinch the signature of a player manager Rafael Benitez rates as one of the best young South Americans in the game.

Gonzales is expected to sign a four-year deal and a spokesman told the club's website: "Following the player's knee injury, the original intention was to take him on loan with an option to make the deal permanent.

"As Mark is recovering well, a loan deal is no longer an issue and we have agreed a long-term contract to bring him to Anfield.
"However, he will only play for Liverpool once he obtains either a work permit or European passport."