Albert Riera may not be final Anfield arrival

Aug 27 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

ALBERT RIERA is expected to become a Liverpool player by the end of the week.

And the Spain international left winger may not be the final arrival at Anfield before the transfer window closes on Monday evening.

Liverpool have agreed a fee in excess of £8million with Espanyol after Riera expressed his desire to link up with Rafael Benitez.

Everton had attempted to hijack the deal with a higher bid, but talks between Anfield and Espanyol officials have since agreed on a compromise figure.

Liverpool are now hopeful of completing the transfer in the next few days, with Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrera revealing only a few minor details need to be ironed out.

“This is a sensitive time, and we need to make sure we reach a solution,” he said.

“Everything is going well and a deal can be reached. The differences we have are ones we can solve and there has to be a solution because there is no more time.”

With the Riera deal imminent, Benitez will consider further bolstering his squad in the coming days.

The Liverpool manager must sell before he can buy, and is willing to listen to offers for Andriy Voronin, Jermaine Pennant and Steve Finnan.

Xabi Alonso could also be allowed to depart, but interested clubs – which include Arsenal – would need to lodge a big-money bid.