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Diouf extends stay at Doncaster Rovers
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El-Hadji Diouf has signed a new deal at Doncaster Rovers until the end of the season, with the option of a further year.
The 31-year-old striker, whose previous three-month deal expired on Tuesday, has finally put pen to paper on a protracted deal that was first spoken about before Christmas.
Rovers boss Dean Saunders is hopeful Diouf can help fill the void left by Billy Sharp, who was sold to Southampton on Monday.
“The extra year will depend on what league we are in,” Saunders said. “He has got to keep on doing what he’s been doing. He has got a flash of genius in him.
“He’s not an out and out goalscorer, he’s more a supplier but because he is a Premier League player he can get goals at this level.
“There has been loads of clubs interested in him.
“But his family live in Manchester and he doesn’t want to go abroad. He likes it here and wants to stay.”
Diouf added: “I got a lot of offers from places far away from here, but my kids go to school here.
“That’s not the only reason I’ve decided to stay though. I enjoy playing football here, I have good communication with the manager and the fans like me here too.”
The former Liverpool and Bolton man made the surprise move to South Yorkshire in October and has scored three goals in 10 appearances.
Rovers are also close to signing Aston Villa defender Habib Beye on a permanent deal.
The 34-year-old full-back is on loan at Rovers until the end of the season, but has impressed Saunders enough to earn a permanent stay at the Keepmoat Stadium, with the deal set to go through before Saturday’s clash with Reading.
“We are trying to keep him for 18 months and we are trying to do that soon,” Saunders said.
“He wants to stay, that’s the main thing so hopefully we can get round the figures.”
The former Senegal international has featured nine teams for Rovers following his November switch, but is currently in the middle of a three-match ban following his red card at Bristol City a fortnight ago.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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