Liverpool get Mascherano ahead of deadline

Javier Mascherano talks to the press during the West Ham United press conference at Upton Park in London, September 2006. Liverpool appear to have won their battle to sign Argentina World Cup star Mascherano after FIFA ruled that the midfielder could sign for his third club in less than a year.

Liverpool appear to have won their battle to sign Argentina World Cup star Javier Mascherano after FIFA ruled that the midfielder could sign for his third club in less than a year.

With less than 24 hours to go until the end of the January transfer window, world football's governing body on Wednesday issued a green light for Mascherano to move to Anfield from West Ham, whom he joined from Corinthians of Brazil on the last transfer deadline day in August.

Liverpool were awaiting final clearance for the move from the FA Premier League, who were understood to have no objections to the deal going through.

In other deadline day deals, promotion-chasing Birmingham made midfielder Sebastian Larsson's loan deal from Arsenal permanent at a cost of one million pounds (1.95 million dollars).

The 21-year-old Swede has penned a four-year contract at St Andrews.

It remained unclear however if Birmingham would be able to hang on to England defender Matthew Upson, who was the subject of a reported eight million pounds (15.6 million dollars) bid from West Ham.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce had been adamant that he would not sell the centreback and voiced fears that the loss of such a key player could derail the club's bid for a return to the Premiership.

But with Upson having stated that he does not see his long-term future at the club, Birmingham's directors could be tempted to cash in rather than see him leave for a reduced fee in the summer, when he will have only a year left to run on his contract.

Elsewhere, Manchester City signed former England left-back Michael Ball from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

The 27-year-old has signed a short-term contract until the end of the season. He becomes manager Stuart Pearce's second signing of the transfer window, following Djamel Abdoun's move from French club Ajaccio.

Watford signed 25-year-old Scotland midfielder Gareth Williams from Leicester for an undisclosed fee.

Stoke captain Michael Duberry, the former Leeds and Chelsea defender, was discussing a possible move to Reading.