Diao: Wants Anfield move (ShaunBotterill/Allsport)

Diao returned to Senegal's starting line-up yesterday after serving a two-game ban, but was unable to prevent the Lions of Teranga crashing out of the quarter-finals to Turkey.

For Diao, following a holiday with his family, he now hopes to join Senegal team-mate El Hadji Diouf at Liverpool for pre-season training, although he still remains in the dark as to his immediate future.

The 25-year-old, a £5million capture from Sedan, signed a five-year contract before the World Cup started, but the French club are looking to retain his services up until Christmas.

Liverpool do have the option of recalling him at any time should they struggle with injuries, which is a little disconcerting for Diao, although he is refusing to let it dampen his spirit.

'For all the Senegal players, this was our first big competition and we had to work hard in a lot of big games,' said midfielder Diao.

'But we have learned a lot and the things we have learned from our defeat to Turkey we can use in the next World Cup.

'I know I have learned a lot and I feel it will help me when I move to Liverpool. I am really excited about going there.

'Playing in England and against all the big clubs is something I've always dreamed about, and now the time is arriving.