15.07.2004 - Pongolle to remain a Red

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Florent Sinama-Pongolle is expected to be at Liverpool next season despite recent reports linking him with season long loan move to St Etienne.

The French club, who recently won promotion to Ligue 1 after winning the French second division last season, were hoping to take Pongolle on loan for a season, with the 19 year old set to face fierce competition for a first team place.

But despite Michael Owen, Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse certain to start the season ahead of Pongolle in the battle for a place in the side, Liverpool also want to keep the French under-21 international at the club.

Pongolle scored twice last season, btoh at Anfield against Leeds and Bolton, and after impressive displays, particularly during games in which he came off the bench, the youngster will be hoping to impress new manager Rafael Benitez, and earn himself more first team opportunities during the coming season.

Meanwhile, another of Liverpool's French players, Gregory Vignal, returned from his loan spell at Espanyol yesterday. Vignal played 8 times in La Liga for the Catalan club, scoring once, with his only goal coming two minutes after coming on as a late sub in Espanyol's 5-1 win away to Celta Vigo.