Reds close to double swoop

LIVERPOOL and Lille are closing in on an agreement for midfielder Bruno Cheyrou, although talk of a move for his brother Benoit may be premature as another defensive midfielder, Salif Diao edges closer to a switch to Anfield.

Cheyrou's representative Bruno Satin has confirmed that a deal for Cheyrou is moving closer but insists nothing has been decided just yet.

"It's false to say that a deal has been concluded," said Satin. "The discussions are continuing, they could succeed soon and it would not be a bad deal for Lille.

"The player wants to change his horizons but nothing has been agreed yet."

Reports had suggested that Reds boss Gerard Houllier would be taking his brother Benoit to Anfield as well, but these has been dismissed as speculation by Satin.

Houllier has been to France to view both Cheyrou brothers, along with PSG's defensive midfielder Mikel Arteta, but Sedan's Salif Diao seems to be the favoured option of the Anfield staff.

The player has been a great success for both club and country, helping Sedan cement a place in Le Championnat and securing Senegal's World Cup place, and has been targeted by Houllier.

The veteran coach has watched him perform and reports in France have suggested that the 25-year-old has already flown to Liverpool to meet club officials, and that a ‚é¼7 million (£4.3m) fee has already been agreed with the French outfit.

The minor details are now being discussed that will see a dream move to the Premiership for Diao, and it could be a French double for Houllier if the deal for Cheyrou goes through, as he builds for next year's assault on both The Premiership and Champions League trophies.