Javier Mascherano has signed a four-year contract to stay with Liverpool on a permanent basis.

The Argentine midfielder originally moved to Anfield over 12 months ago on loan following a brief stint at West Ham United.

Liverpool have been involved in protracted negotiations to secure Mascherano on a permanent deal, with the likes of Juventus and Barcelona rumoured to be waiting in the wings.

An agreement has now been finalised and the 23-year-old expressed his delight at committing his future to Rafa Benitez's side.