Work permit hitch delays Gonzalez’s Anfield switch

MARK GONZALEZ is almost certain to be loaned out to a Spanish club until the end of the season, when Liverpool will again apply for a work permit for the youngster.

The deal, believed to be around £4 million (€5.8m), for the 21-year-old to join Liverpool from Albacete, is virtually completed with terms agreed with the player and his club.

Liverpool have been technically unable to complete the deal because the contract cannot be put into place without a work permit - but they are in a position to “control” the immediate future of the player.