Former Liverpool captain, Emlyn Hughes described the move as "amazing, " adding, "To be looking now, halfway through the season, to be signing a goalscorer when you've just let probably the best natural goal scorer in the Football League go is an incredible situation - it is amazing”.

Hughes admits the club need another top class striker but thinks paying £12m for Anelka is too much money.

Despite the sum involved Hughes admitted Anelka was a quality striker and said that went on to say that Emile Heskey might be a little bit worried.

"Let’s face it, Emile Heskey won't score in a million years and for all the problems, there is no doubt Nicolas Anelka can score goals."

Another Anfield legend, Alan Kennedy was delighted with the move saying that Anelka was one of the finest strikers in Europe when he played for Arsenal.

"If he's coming to Liverpool I think that's a great, great signing. People like Michael Owen and Emile Heskey need competition”.

He added that too much pressure is placed on Michael Owen to perform every time.

However, chairman of the Deeside Branch of the Liverpool supporters club, Brian Purcell questions buying the Frenchman.

"The move has come as a complete surprise and if he was not good enough for Arsenal and the other clubs he has played for subsequently then why should he be good enough for Liverpool," he said.

"And if his attitude doesn't improve then we could have another Collymore on our hands. He doesn't appeal as a Liverpool sort of player. If you look at his record then Anelka is not a prolific goal scorer either - his goal ratio is not high."

The Reds have an option to buy the France international from Paris St Germain when the loan period runs out.

Anelka will not make his debut for the Anfield outfit against the Gunners on Sunday, but he will be available for the Aston Villa game on St Stephen's Day.

He is also cup-tied for the Champions League after playing for the Parisian side in the UEFA Cup this season.