Liverpool back on González trail

Cruciate injury
Regarded as one of Chile's brightest young talents, González has been a long-term target for Rafael Benítez. Despite Albacete's relegation from Spain's top flight, and a cruciate knee injury that has sidelined him for the last few months, González emerged from last season with huge credit. He agreed to join the European champions in the summer, only for the deal to falter after he was refused a work permit.

Transfer criteria
Liverpool said of the new deal: "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."