French club Lens today denied claims made by Liverpool that Senegal World Cup star and African footballer of the year El-Hadji Diouf was on his way to the English Premiership club.
"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," a statement released on the club's website said.
"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."
Earlier today, Liverpool said that they had signed the player.
"We can confirm that African Footballer of the Year El-Hadji Diouf has now signed a five-year deal with Liverpool, which is wonderful news for everyone at the club," club spokesman Ian Cotton said in a statement on the club's website.
"The Senegal striker will join up with his new team-mates when the squad report back for pre-season training in July."
Diouf, who looks set to become one of the World Cup's finds after his part in Senegal's 1-0 win over France, said he was looking forward to his Anfield move.
"I'm delighted to be joining Liverpool. Liverpool are a club that expects to be one of the best in Europe," the 21-year-old Diouf said.
"I want to be 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.
It was Diouf's work that helped set up team-mate Pape Bouba Diop for the famous 1-0 scoreline in Friday's opening upset win.
Diouf started his career at French club Sochaux, where he played for a season before joining Brittany outfit Rennes in 1999.
He was loaned to Lens and scored eight goals in the 2000-2001 season, and was the second top scorer with the French runners-up this season. -AFP