From LFC Online, we've pulled all the quotes together.
With each contradiction comes another scratch of the head, so many scratces infact that many a Reds' fan currently sports a Zidane like bald patch. So has he or hasn't he?
May
30th
Diouf's agent Stephane Canard tells L'Equipe: "Discussions are taking place. Everything's going well but nothing has been signed yet."
31st
Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton says: "We have been in talks with both the player and his club but we are yet to reach an agreement."
Later that evening, after helping Senegal to an historic 1-0 over France, Diouf says: "I'm delighted to be joining Liverpool. I want to become one of the best players in the world and I'm sure that at Liverpool and with a great coach like Gerard Houllier I can do that."
June
1st
Lens deny that Liverpool have signed El-Hadji Diouf. A statement on the club's official site reads: "Contrary to the announcement made on Saturday, Lens would like to make it clear that El-Hadji Diouf has not been transferred to Liverpool, and no contract has been signed. The player's representatives and the two clubs agreed on Friday to continue discussions at the end of the first round of the World Cup. Knowing that replacing a player of his potential and ability would be complicated, the Lens president Gervais Martel will continue to think over the matter."
2nd
Diouf reiterates the fact that he'll be joining Liverpool, and that a deal has been agreed. He says: "I agreed a deal with Liverpool before the match against France. I wouldn't have minded staying in Lens but personally I want to play for a big club. What I want to say is that I have already signed and you can be sure that I will play for Liverpool next season."
Gerard Houllier admits he is excited at the signing (?) of El-Hadji Diouf. He says: "A star he may be, even at 21, after making such a contribution to the achievement of Lens but, to me, a real star is one who works for the team, rather than just hanging around the penalty area waiting for others to provide him with the ball, and that is very much the mark of Diouf. A lot was asked of him by Bruno Metsu. Senagal's French coach, who like Roger Lemerre is a friend of mine, got his tactics spot on. He did what you should do against France: 5-4-1, get bodies into midfield. So Diouf was alone up front. He showed not only the skill to keep the ball but a willingness to sacrifice himself for the team. In the modern game you need that sort of player. As for his speed, he illustrated that in making the goal, even though I felt he got past Frank Leboeuf a bit too easily. So what if the commentators felt Diouf got offside too much? In my opinion, that is a good fault. I prefer a front player who goes for it to one who is forever dropping deep, when you do that you tend to stifle the team. You can always teach a player not to get caught offside. What Diouf did was give the game length and got behind defenders. They couldn't cope with him. That is how he plays - with his foot permanently on the gas. He needs to learn to manage his energy. But that will come."
Diouf speaks for the second time of his move (?) to Liverpool. He says: "Coach Gerard Houllier has assured me that he wants me in the team. I spoke to him on the phone and liked the sound of what I heard. I wanted a move to a big club and preferably one with a French coach, although I am keen to do English lessons."
Bare in mind that Lens have already said they won't stand his way if he wants to leave. Diouf will almost certainly be a Liverpool player next year, although the fact that no fee has been announced leads me to believe there may be a 'gentlemans agreement' on the fee or something like that. It doesn't look as if everything has been completed, but that it's just a formality.
