Liverpool denied permit for Leto



Liverpool's Argentine midfielder Sebastian Leto has been denied a work permit to play in England next season.

The 21-year-old, who joined the Reds from Lanus for a fee of around £2m in 2007, was granted an Italian passport last summer but it was later revoked.

That left Leto needing a work permit but Liverpool's application was refused by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will now look to loan out Leto and claims up to 10 European clubs want to sign him.

Benitez says he expected Leto to be given a permit and feels the decision is unfair.

"I am disappointed and it was a surprise because this is a player who has played in the Champions League and been in the Argentina squad for the Olympic Games," Benitez told Liverpool's website.