It is hoped Gonzales will get a work permit in time for the January transfer window as a loop-hole does exist for 'highly rated youngsters'. If Liverpool are unsuccessful in January then Gonzales will definitely join the Reds in the summer by which time he will qualify as an EU national having spent five years in Portugal.
"He is a player we want to be able to use as soon as possible but the situation as it stands is that we are still awaiting a work permit for him," said Rafael Benitez.
"Ideally, we would like to have him here in January but if that's not possible then we will have to wait until next season for him, when he will have a European passport.
"He's a left winger with pace and skill who is capable of getting to the by-line and providing crosses that the likes of Peter Crouch and Fernando Morientes should thrive on.
"He has had an injury but he's close to finishing his recuperation now and should be ready to start playing again in the next month."