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The Argentinian is currently on a long-term loan at Anfield from owners MSI that runs until the end of the season.

As such there was no pressing need for Liverpool to arrange a deal during the January transfer window, although they run the risk of losing him at the end of the season if a fee, believed to be a £18.6 million, is not paid for him by then, and the 23-year-old is hopeful that it will happen.

"It's not finished yet but I am hoping to stay here," he told Liverpool's official website.

"I have a lot of confidence that after the next week I will be able to say 'everything is right and I am staying here in Liverpool'.

"We now need to wait. We are very close but we need to talk again. I think everything will be okay. I've waited a long time, so I can wait one week more.

"The fans like me and I love the fans. They are great and that's the reason I want to stay here."

The Argentina international has been a success for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, and has been the Spaniard's first choice to partner Steven Gerrard whenever he has been fit and available this season.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport