Sunderland striker El Hadji Diouf says they're closer to Liverpool than the Reds are to title favourites Manchester United and Chelsea.

"Liverpool do have a good team, but they can't challenge United or Chelsea," Diouf told the Daily Star before yesterday's defeat to Liverpool.

"They are at a different level. It's not just about changing one or two players - it's about not really having to change the team. We are not that far away from Liverpool.

"I used to say that at Bolton and every season, except last year, we did very well against them."