Megson fires Diouf warning
14 May 2008 - 07:27:45
Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson has warned any potential suitors that El Hadji Diouf will not be allowed to leave the Reebok Stadium for a cut-price fee.
The 27-year-old Senegal striker announced his intention to end his four-year association with the Trotters before they secured their Premier League survival earlier in the month.
But, despite claiming he hopes to persuade the former Liverpool striker to remain at the club, Megson has warned any interested parties that Diouf will not be allowed to leave cheaply.
The former Lens forward still has a year remaining on his existing contract with Bolton.
"He has made this statement about this being his last season," admitted Megson.
"But he's a great character and I know him well enough to know he will say one thing one minute and another thing the next.
"He's a temperamental person and I don't want him to go anywhere.
"Having said that, if somebody does come in for him they are going to have to pay a lot of money to get him.
"Then they're going to have pay Dioufy what we pay him in wages - which is a lot of money as well.
"I don't want him to go but if he does then it will be the best for Bolton and nothing else - and we'll make sure we get a good fee for him."