Houllier: Robbie is staying at Anfield

Gerard Houllier insists the arrival of Finn Jari Litmanen does not mean Robbie Fowler's departure from Anfield in imminent.

The Liverpool boss tied up the final details of the free transfer signing of Litmanen from Barcelona today, and the 29-year-old trained with his new team-mates.

Despite speculation that yet another late-night incident involving Fowler in Liverpool city centre could hasten his departure, Houllier clearly sees Litmanen as an addition rather than a replacement.

Houllier, who has been chasing Litmanen for two years, said: "We needed a fourth striker when both Erik Meijer and Titi Camara left the club.

"I have a good memory of games when we didn't have enough strikers because of injuries so it is vital for us to have at least four here. This is something we have always stressed."

With Liverpool's packed New Year schedule, which will include vital games in three cup competitions, Houllier does not want to sell his captain, despite Fowler's indifferent form.

Fowler will instead compete with Emile Heskey, Michael Owen and now Litmanen for a place in the starting line-up.

Liverpool are aware of Chelsea's continued interest in Fowler.

Chief executive Colin Hutchison has reiterated his view that the Londoners would be interested in signing the player if Liverpool gave the go ahead.

But with a schedule that could include matches in the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and Worthington Cup in an 11-day period in February, the Houllier wants all of his best players available.

The arrival of Litmanen, a player Houllier wanted to sign when the forward was with Ajax, has excited the French coach.

He said: "He's one of the most exciting signings we have made. We have signed a world class player. He comes with a reputation that needs no improvement."

Litmanen, a close friend of Liverpool defender and countryman Sami Hyypia, was exceptional in recent internationals against England and Wales.

A deep-lying forward who plays well in the hole behind the strikers, he is qualified to play in all four competitions Liverpool are contesting, as he has not played for Barcelona in either the Champions League or UEFA Cup this season.

He is expected to make his Liverpool debut next week in the first leg of their Worthington Cup semi-final at Crystal Palace.

"It has always been my dream to play for Liverpool," said Litmanen, regarded as Finland's best ever player. "I have supported them since I was a child and there has been talk about me joining them before.

"I seem to have been linked with every club in Europe but it's no secret that Liverpool have always been very special to me."Houllier said: "Jari knows all about Liverpool, he's a fan of the club and wanted to play for us.

"He can play in a variety of positions in attack and will bring a different style of play to our other strikers.

"He is a player I am aware this club has wanted for a long time and to get him on a free transfer is a snip."

Litmanen has been given a glowing endorsement by Hyypia, who said: "He is someone who is excellent in possession of the ball.

"He doesn't give it away and is a great team player. Jari is also a great goalscorer and I would say that this could be a great signing for the club.

"From a personal point of view, it's nice to have a fellow Finnish international joining the squad. I've often spoken to him about the club and there's nothing I could tell him that he didn't already know.

"He knows everything about the club and is always talking about Liverpool."