Mascherano seals Reds move

Liverpool's application to register Javier Mascherano has been accepted.

West Ham and Liverpool agreed a deal for the midfielder last month but there were complications due to the fact that Mascherano has already played for two clubs within the last 12 months.

Fifa gave permission for Liverpool to sign Mascherano but the Premier League opted to take a closer look at the details of the transfer.

They have now decided to sanction the move, and Mascherano is eligible to play in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona.

A statement from the Premier League read: "The Premier League has today confirmed that the application by Liverpool FC to register Javier Mascherano as a player has been accepted.

"The Premier League is satisfied that the contractual arrangements proposed by Liverpool FC are consistent with its rules; particularly that the relationship between club and player is not subject to third-party influence.

"The Premier League is grateful for Liverpool FC's cooperation and openness at the start and throughout the process.

"Liverpool FC also appreciated the Premier League Board were not prepared to sanction this transfer until further information on any third-party involvement in player registrations had been received from all Premier League clubs."

The Premier League have still to decide whether there will be any action against The Hammers for their role in signing Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine duo were brought to Upton Park last summer by businessman Kia Joorabchian and his investment company MSI, who own the rights to the duo.

However, West Ham could be docked points if they are found guilty of breaching Premier League regulations, which prevent the signing of players owned by a third party who could have the 'ability materially to influence a club's policies or the performance of its teams'.