08.07.2004 - Senegalese duo set for exit?

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El Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao could be set to follow Bruno Cheyrou out of Anfield, with Portsmouth reportedly interested in taking the African pair on a season long loan.

The two players have failed to live up to expectations after arriving at the club two years ago for a combined cost of £15million.

And Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is said to be keen on capturing both players as part of his plans to strengthen the Portsmouth squad as they prepare for a second successive season in the Premiership.

Diouf enjoyed a good opening to last season, with impressive displays against Everton, Blackburn and Leicester in the early weeks. But despite the occasional brief moment of brilliance, he was unable to produce the level of performances which were required, and he finished the season without scoring a single goal in any of his 33 competitive appearances.

Diao has been used as more of a squad player, but has also all too often failed to make the most of the opportunities which have been handed to him since his move to Merseyside.

However, any deal will depend on whether each player would be prepared to lower their wage demands.