Anelka joins Liverpool on loan

Controversial French striker Nicolas Anelka is joining English premier league side Liverpool on loan after being sidelined at Paris St Germain.

The switch was announced on both clubs' websites, with Liverpool saying the deal was subject to a medical which was expected to be carried out on Saturday.

The move puts an end to transfer rumours which had circulated around the gifted but moody French striker in recent weeks.

Anelka returned to Paris from Real Madrid last season after failing to settle in Spain.

He has reportedly been at odds with PSG coach Luis Fernandez, who has not picked him in PSG's last four first division matches or in PSG's recent first round cup match.

Fernandez, who admitted having had "discussions" with Anelka about his tactical choices had always denied reports of an open row between them.

But he said recently: "The door is open as I don't want to keep someone against his will. It's up to the club to decide if they want to sell him.

The 22-year-old Anelka returns to England after playing for Arsenal from 1997-1999. He left the London club in acrimonious circumstances on the way to Madrid.

RARELY HAPPY

PSG said that Liverpool, coached by Frenchman and former PSG manager Gerard Houllier, would have an option for a permanent transfer at the end of the loan.

Just as he did at Real Madrid, the 22-year-old international has complained about his coach's strategy. Anelka said he spent too many games on the bench and had wasted time since he returned to the Parisian club last year.

Since the season started, Anelka scored only two goals in league matches, far below what was expected of him by the club who spent 218 million francs ($29.61 million) to sign him back from Real Madrid.

Fernandez has often preferred to use Brazilian duo Alex and Aloisio or youthful Nigeria striker Bartholomew Ogbeche, leaving Anelka on the bench.

Soccer magazine France Football earlier this month hinted that Anelka might be interested in returning to the English premier league.

"The most reliable option could be Chelsea," said the magazine. "Chelsea asked Anelka's brother (his agent) to let them know when the player might be interested in going back to England.

"Anelka played with (Chelsea) midfielder Emmanuel Petit when they were at Arsenal and it would be a good opportunity for him to get close to French captain Marcel Desailly before the World Cup finals."

Anelka has rarely seemed happy at any club.

BETTER EXPOSURE

He originally left PSG to join Arsenal at the age of 17, saying he was not playing enough and wanted to boost his international career.

The Frenchman did have some good times at Arsenal and opened the door to compatriots such as Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord who have shone at the London side.

He moved to Real Madrid in 1999 and found himself on the Spanish champions' bench, being considered only as a substitute for local hero Raul.

After returning to Paris, Anelka was always in the starting lineup under coach Philippe Bergeroo.

But since Bergeroo was sacked and replaced by former Paris player Luis Fernandez, Anelka has become dissatisfied again.

His move to Liverpool may give him more exposure and could boost his chances of being in the 22-strong squad which will defend the World Cup for France in South Korea and Japan next year.

He was not picked for the 1998 World Cup squad by previous coach Aime Jacquet and gave a poor performance in the 2000 European championship -- he failed to score while Henry was named man of the match twice.