Soccer: Baros move to Anfield delayed by permit problems

Teenage sensation Milan Baros will have to wait until at least the autumn to get a work permit to start his new career at Liverpool.

The 19-year-old Banik Ostrava winger is considered to be the best young prospect in the Czech Republic, and made his full international debut earlier this year.

Liverpool, who are believed not to have applied for a permit, were alerted to his potential by their Czech stars Vladimir Smicer and Patrik Berger.

The youngster flew into Merseyside last month for a medical and contract talks.

But it was always felt that he would struggle to meet the work permit criteria of playing in 75% of the Czech Republic’s competitive internationals over a two year period.

Now it looks like Baros will have to stay with Banik, or will be loaned out by Liverpool to a club on the continent - possibly in France - before he figures in enough matches to meet the 75% mark.

That could mean waiting until after the next two rounds of World Cup qualifiers, which means he will not be able to get a permit until at least October.

His Czech club have announced today that the deal has been agreed and that they will receive a £3.5m fee, although in Finland last night boss Gerard Houllier insisted that the deal had not finally been completed.

‘‘The move is almost sorted out, but not finally yet,’’ said Houllier.

‘‘I am glad that a club like Liverpool wants me, but I am unable to play for them at the moment,’’ said Baros.

‘‘I will have to continue to play for Banik Ostrava at least until the autumn.’’

Liverpool, however, could decide to loan him out to another club.

His agent Pavel Paska, who also represents Berger, confirmed: ‘‘Liverpool will pay £3.5m for the player.’’