Bolton expect Diouf deal to go through
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has revealed he is “90% confident” of wrapping up a deal to sign Liverpool striker El-Hadji Diouf.
The Senegal international made a major impact on loan at the Reebok Stadium, helping the club secure UEFA Cup football for next season.
Gartside told the club’s official website, www.bwfc.co.uk: “I am 90% confident of doing a deal with him. We are well down the track.
“We’ve got a few small details to iron out with Liverpool and it’s a question of keeping the pay structure right with the player himself.”
Diouf had a difficult first season at Anfield, in 2003/04, with Gerard Houllier’s £11million swoop for the Lens player being widely questioned.
The former African Footballer of the Year has restored his reputation since moving to Bolton on loan, however, and they are moving ever closer to making his stay permanent with Sam Allardyce’s side.
“We’ve made it public that we are close to doing a deal with Liverpool and these things take time,” said Gartside.
“You have to sort out many details with the club and player. El-Hadji is currently away in Senegal preparing for World Cup qualifiers so we are not face-to-face with him and talks have to be done through his agent.”
