Liverpool last night signed Nicolas Anelka on loan for the rest of the season, three weeks after turning him down.

Gérard Houllier, Liverpool's manager, has persuaded his fellow Frenchman to move to Anfield and try to rescue his career and World Cup chances. It was a dramatic move for the Paris St-Germain striker as Liverpool had declined to take him three weeks ago when he was first told that he could leave. Michael Owen's recurring hamstring problems and Emile Heskey's lack of goals forced the change of tack.

Liverpool will pay Anelka's £75,000-a-week salary. His move may become permanent for £10m next summer.

Liverpool had more good news after winning their appeal against the refusal to grant Milan Baros a work permit. A review panel agreed that the 20-year-old Czech's outstanding talent exempted him from the requirement of playing 75 per cent of internationals in the last two years.