The Sun says Rafa Benitez has won his long-running battle with Liverpool's owners to splash £17million and make Mascherano's Anfield deal permanent.

But the 23-year-old Argentine midfielder will stay on loan until the switch is finally completed in June.

The Kop's American supremos Tom Hicks and George Gillett gave the go-ahead after completing their refinancing package last week.

Mascherano has agreed to a four-year contract.