Liverpool have completed the signing of Senegal International El Hadji Diouf from French Side Lens.

Houllier flew a backroom staff out to complete the deal for the Senegal star hours after the 2-1 Semi Final defeat to Turkey. The Reds wanted to eliminate any late interest from Italian giants Juventus.

Diouf who moves from French Club Lens said he cannot wait to continue his rise in the Premiership.

"It will be a great challenge to fight for a place alongside Michael Owen and Emile Heskey," Diouf said.

"It will be excellent to play in the Champions League and I hope to play against my former side Lens and maybe go over there and beat them."

Diouf who arrived on the World Stage with an impressive display in Senegal's shock 1-0 win over France in the opening game of the tournament admitted that he has never stepped foot on Merseyside.

Diouf continued "Gerard Houllier has given me 21 days off, but I must admit I hoped for a bit more," he said.

"I was looking forward to getting away from football for a while."

Diouf will be joined at Anfield by international teammate Salif Diao, who will move from French club Sedan before the end of the year.

What do you think of this news? post your view below on the Message Board!