Litmanen returns to Ajax after all

By Philip Seery & Gerrit van Leeuwen

JARI LITMANEN has returned to former club Ajax on a three-month deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

The Liverpool ace has been a fringe figure at Anfield under coach Gerard Houllier and will hope to kick-start his career at the club where he first came to prominence in the mid-90s.

Ajax will review the situation in January and if Litmanen impresses he could win a one-and-a-half deal at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Technical director Leo Beenhakker told the club website: "We have a young team and Jari can bring some experience. We want to register him before 16.00 tommorow (Friday) so that he is available to play in the Champions League." 

Litmanen joined The Reds from Barcelona on a free transfer two seasons ago but has struggled to fit into the formation employed by Houllier.

However, his talent is unquestioned and the Ajax fans will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of seeing their idol in the white and red shirt again.

Turkish giants Galatasaray were also interested in 31-year-old Litmanen but the lure of a return to Amesterdam proved too much for the Finn.