Cisse wants to stay and fight for ’Pool place
The 24-year-old has struggled to establish himself at Anfield since joining from Auxerre last summer and has been linked with a potential move to either Monaco or Marseille.
However, with Liverpool missing out on the signing of England striker Michael Owen to Premiership rivals Newcastle, Cisse insists he is determined to stay and fight for his place in the team.
Monaco vice-president Gerard Brianti admitted yesterday that the Frenchman was a transfer target, but Cisse has closed the door on any potential move by declaring his loyalty to the European champions.
Speaking at France’s Clairefontaine base ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands, Cisse said: “My future is with Liverpool. I was first linked to Newcastle, then it was Marseille and now Monaco.
“I was rumoured to go everywhere. But during my discussions with [Rafa] Benitez, there was never any question of leaving.
“I have another three years on my contract and I am staying at Liverpool. There is no need to panic, why should I leave?
“I am trying to ignore everything I read, but I am annoyed by it all. I never asked to leave.”
Cisse’s first season in English football was cut short by a horrendous leg break at Blackburn in October.
He battled back to play a part in Liverpool’s Champions League victory in May and has netted six European goals for the Merseysiders already this season.
Parma have received an offer from Liverpool for centre-back Daniele Bonera. The Italian defender has emerged as one of Rafa Benitez’s pre-deadline targets but two Serie A clubs are also in the frame.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have completed a double signing of teenagers Besian Idrizaj and Ramon Calliste.
Austrian Idrizaj, a 17-year-old winger, joins on a two-year deal from Linzer ASK, while Wales U21 striker Calliste has been brought in after being freed by Man Utd at the start of the summer. He has signed a 12-month contract.
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