Cisse reiterates Anfield dream

The 21-year-old was the subject of interest from The Reds this summer, after manager Gerard Houllier decided to press ahead with a bid.

Houllier, a close friend of Auxerre chief Guy Roux, has been following Cisse for the last few years but has waited until this year before opening official talks.

Auxerre told The Reds that they wanted to keep him for another season, which Liverpool appear to have accepted - knowing that they are first in line to land the French star.

"I have given my word and will respect that," Cisse said.

"Guy Roux knows I want to go to Liverpool and he won't block that in the future.

"He knows that I have been at Auxerre for eight years and that my time here will soon be up.

"In order for me to progress in my career a move in the near future is necessary.

"There is still a season to finish here, though. In order to go to Liverpool and leave Auxerre, I need to deserve it."

Reports in France earlier this summer suggested that Liverpool had already agreed a deal to bring Cisse to England in 2004.

Barcelona attempted to land him before the transfer window closed, but they failed to agree a deal.