SAM Allardyce has made his pitch to sign misfit Liverpool striker El-Hadji Diouf.

The Reebok boss has had talks with the 23-year-old Senegal international, who has been told he is surplus to requirements at Anfield and could be available on a season-long loan.

Allardyce confirmed his interest in the unwanted Liverpool man last week and, although he has refused to comment further, he is understood to have met the player on Monday.

Diouf, who joined Liverpool from Lens in a £10million deal two years ago after starring for Senegal in the World Cup, has struggled to live up to his big price tag and has been made aware that he does not figure in the plans of new manager, Rafael Benitez.

Wanderers could face stiff competition from Spain, with Malaga having emerged in recent days as the strongest of three contenders.

But Allardyce has used his persuasive powers in the past and would not have considered speaking to the player if he did not believe he stood a chance of signing him.