Abby Brammell

By Ashley Gray

On the move: Riera

Rafael Benitez has rejected a bid by Spartak Moscow to take out-of-favour Albert Riera on loan.

Liverpool are keen to offload the Spain winger following his criticism of the manager and bust-up with a reserve player but they want £5million.

Talks between the two clubs will continue, but Spartak feel they are in a strong position after Moscow rivals CSKA and Lokomotiv made it clear they would not make a move.

Riera is anxious to secure a move before the Russian transfer deadline of April 8 because he fears for his place in the Spain national team.

'Russia seems to me a very interesting option, because, firstly, it is the only prestigious league in which the transfer window is still open, and, second, I expect to earn a place at the World Cup in South Africa if I'm playing there constantly,' said the 27-year-old, whose wife Yulia Koroleva is from Russia.

'I hope the issue with my transfer will be resolved as early as this week.'


Divide: Riera and Benitez in training at Mellwood last week

A loan till the end of June would suit Riera, who could then assess offers in more established European leagues, but Liverpool hope offers for a straight cash transfer could yet be forthcoming.

Spartak boss Valery Karpin led the protest when the Russian transfer deadline was put back from March 11, but he could now be the biggest to gain from the last-minute switch.


source: dailymail