'If that is true': £21m player suggests he's keen to join Liverpool but only if he's a starter

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Liverpool are yet to make any kind of meaningful move with time running out in the January transfer window.

Reds supporters had been hoping that their team would add to the squad over the winter to continue their push for trophies this season.

However, with just 10 days left in which to do business, Liverpool have been awfully quiet.

One area in which the Reds look in need of strengthening – perhaps above any other – is at left-back.

Andy Robertson has had a poor season and as the 30-year-old transitions into more of a squad player, Liverpool need to look for his replacement.

Milos Kerkez has been heavily linked as a potential first-choice for Arne Slot. But reports have also suggested that Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf is on Liverpool’s radar. And having been told of those rumours, Diouf has given his verdict on a move to Anfield.

El Hadji Malick Diouf keen on Liverpool move

Diouf is perhaps a player who many Liverpool fans have not been aware of up until this point.

At just 20-years-old, the Senegal international is very much one for the future, but he has already been making waves in Czech football since arriving from Tromso last January.

With Liverpool definitely on the lookout for a left-back, Diouf has told Czech outlet iDNES that although he could be ready for a transfer, he would only want to join the Reds if it meant starting regular games.

“I can see what is happening around me, but I am definitely not distracted by it,” he said of the rumours around his future. “I am concentrating on myself, on Slavia, I have no reason to rush. I told my uncle, my agent, the same thing. He knows everything.”

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"I know that one day I will take the next step,” Diouf adds. “That day is approaching, but I have to be convinced that it is happening at the ideal moment so as not to slow down my development.

“I don't know if that is true (about Liverpool). Yes, it sounds nice, but would I play for Liverpool? Would I fit in there? For me, it is essential that I don't stop. It is difficult to move from the substitutes' bench. I need to play."

Diouf may not be ready to be Liverpool starter

As good a prospect as Diouf appears, it may be a stretch to say that he would come in and be an instant starter for Liverpool.

At just 20, he still has a way to develop and would be coming from a far weaker league. His reported price-tag of around £21m would also perhaps suggest he would be more of a squad player.

Although Robertson has struggled this season, the Scot is still a viable option for Arne Slot, while Kostas Tsimikas is in the picture, too.

Should a new player arrive, one of those two would likely leave, but it’s hard to see them both being sold.

As a result, if it is Diouf being target by Liverpool. We think he would perhaps have to get used to a little bench duty before taking over from the starter in due course. Let’s see if anything gets firmed up.