11.07.2004 - Diouf keen to stay despite Spanish interest

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El Hadji Diouf is hoping to remain at Anfield next season, his agent has revealed, even though a number of clubs are interested in signing the Senegal forward.

Malaga are the latest club to be linked with the player, with the club's director of sport confirming that Diouf is a player the La Liga outfit would like to attract.

But Diouf is determined to stay at Liverpool, and with the controversial former African Player of the Year unwilling to accept a wage reduction, Liverpool could find it difficult to find a buyer if they do intend to sell.

Diouf's main hope of extending his so far controversial career at Anfield could be the fact that new manager Rafael Benitez was looking to sign him in 2002, when he opted to join Liverpool instead.

Should Benitez feel that he can get the most of out of Diouf's talents, then the 22-year-old may find himself with a final chance to prove that he can be a success on Merseyside.

The player's chances of remaining a regular first team player look slim however, with Diouf currently without a squad number after his number 9 shirt was handed to new signing Djibril Cisse.