Liverpool are to make a fresh attempt to secure a work permit for 21-year-old Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez.

Liverpool’s bid to sign Gonzalez in 2005 was scuppered when the Home Office refused him a work permit because Chile’s FIFA ranking was too low.

But Rafael Benitez’s side agreed a four-year deal in principle to sign the international from Spanish side Albacete in January.

“There are many different factors this time,” Liverpool’s Chief executive Rick Parry told the club’s website.

“Firstly, we’re signing Mark on a permanent deal, whereas a year ago it was initially a one season loan.

“He’s also fully fit having recovered from the serious injury he had this time last year,and Chile have also broken into the world’s top 70 in the Fifa rankings.”