Liverpool have re-signed former forward Craig Bellamy from Manchester City. The 32-year-old spent last season on loan at npower Championship side Cardiff after a rift with City manager Roberto Mancini saw him excluded from the first-team squad.

City have been desperate to offload Bellamy, but with a year left on his contract there were financial issues to sort out before Liverpool could complete a deal.

In a brief statement the club said: "Liverpool have tonight announced Craig Bellamy has signed a contract with the club. He will wear shirt number 39."

Bellamy's return to Anfield comes four years after he left having been brought to the club 12 months earlier by Rafael Benitez.

He scored nine goals in 42 matches, but off-field issues contributed to his departure to West Ham United.