Diouf destined to depart

Last updated : 27 July 2004 By Chris Maxwell
The controversial forward has yet to be allocated a squad number by the club and his omission from the 23-man squad that began the tour of America with a resounding 5-1 win over Celtic only made clear the growing view that the enigmatic player had no career prospects on Merseyside.

"We met the new manager (Benitez) and the club to find out if they were counting on El Hadji and we were told they were not counting on him," admitted Diouf's agent Alexander Kristic.

"They would be willing to let El Hadji leave on loan or permanently. We are now considering the offers we have in collaboration with Liverpool Football Club."

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to incorporate the mercurial talents of Diouf at Fratton Park, but Kristic has revealed that a move to Malaga (possibly as part of the deal to bring Spanish defender Josemi to Anfield) is also a possibility.

Kristic added: "I have not spoken to anyone from Portsmouth, but there was contact from Malaga and we are thinking it over. There is interest from several clubs, but it is a big choice to either leave on loan or permanently.

"The main thing is that the move is right for El Hadji and the thing for him is to enjoy his football. El Hadji has three years left on his contract and there is a choice to be made and it is the player's personal one."