Diao looking at French return

Diao has fallen out of favour at Anfield and was set to spend the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham before injury cut short the loan spell. Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has already indicated he will not be signing Diao for next season.

French side Lens already have Diao's Liverpool team-mate Alou Diarra on loan and are hoping to make that a permanent deal. Lens have also spoken to Diao who is available on a Bosman transfer.