by 66-1070900655 » Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:27 pm
French international Djibril Cisse has once again expressed his desire to join Liverpool, regardless of who the manager will be at the time.
The Auxerre striker has long been linked with a move to Anfield, with some even suggesting a January deal was on the cards.
But while this seems unlikely, it is almost definite that he'll be donning the red of Liverpool come season 2004/2005.
Cisse told the Daily Star: "I still intend to sign for Liverpool. It has always been very precise with them. There has been no direct contact with United, but I am already advanced with Liverpool and they are my priority."
One thing that isn't quite as sure is the future of Reds boss Gerard Houllier. Chairman David Moores has pinpointed fourth spot as an absolute minimum, but some hot-and-cold form has seen the team struggle into sixth position in the Premiership table.
Reports on Friday suggested that Martin O'Neill could be on the verge of making the switch from Celtic to Anfield and is just waiting for a phone call from Merseyside.
Nonetheless, Cisse is adamant he will join Liverpool anyway...
"We all know where we are because we have been talking for a long time," he added.
"I still want to go to Liverpool. Gerard Houllier's position make no difference. If I leave at the end of the season it will be for Liverpool and not another club."
Manchester United have also been linked with the Frenchman, although either Mark Viduka or Jermaine Defoe seem the more likely options.