Reds seek clearance to sign Mascherano

Liverpool are seeking clearance from FIFA to sign Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano from Premiership rivals West Ham United.

"We have received correspondence from Liverpool and as in any other situation where a request is made a case has been opened," said a spokesman for soccer's world governing body.

The spokesman said no deadline had been set to decide the issue. The transfer window ends at the end of the month.

FIFA rules state that while a player can register with three clubs during a season, classified as running from July 1 to June 30, he can only play for two teams in that period.

Mascherano featured for Corinthians on his return from the World Cup in Germany before moving to West Ham in August.

The 22-year-old joined along with international team-mate Carlos Tevez but has featured in just seven games, starting five.

While Tevez's career at Upton Park seems to have been rejuvenated by the arrival of Alan Curbishley, Mascherano has been unable to force himself into the first team squad and is frustrated by his lack of opportunities.

Mascherano was part of the gold medal winning Argentine team at the 2004 Summer Olympics.