Liverpool are edging closer to signing Espanyol winger Albert Riera despite Everton’s attempts to hijack the deal.
The Anfield outfit are ready to lodge an improved bid to sign the 26-year-old Spain international.
While Everton are thought to have met Espanyol’s asking price, Riera has set his heart on a move to their Merseyside neighbours.
However, that will only happen if Liverpool increase their bid of around £9m for a player Espanyol value nearer the £12m mark.
Benitez has tracked Riera all summer and has now turned to the former Mallorca and Bordeaux man in an effort to solve Liverpool’s problem left midfield area.
Aston Villa’s £18m valuation ultimately scuppered a move for Gareth Barry while Middlesbrough have slapped a similarly prohibitive price tag on Stewart Downing.
Riera spent six months on loan at Manchester City in 2006 but the Premier League club failed to agree a fee with Espanyol over a permanent transfer.
Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre yesterday admitted Riera is on the brink of a move to England, but reiterated his club’s determination to receive top dollar.
“We have received two interesting offers, both of which are from English clubs,” said Llibre. “What we always do is defend our interests. We won’t sell any player if the bid is not the amount we have asked for.
“If they want Albert Riera, they'll have to pay what Espanyol is asking.”
And Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrara, a former member of Benitez’s backroom staff at Liverpool, was even more specific.
He said: “There is a team which is offering what we have asked and another one which isn’t, but the player is interested in the one which is offering the least.
“We will not lower our asking price.”
Meanwhile, Robbie Keane is confident Liverpool can soon click into gear following a spluttering start to the campaign.
Despite winning their first two Premier League games, Benitez’s side have been worryingly below par after earlier being fortunate to escape with a goalless draw from their Champions League game at Standard Liege.
Liverpool entertain the Belgians in tomorrow’s second leg and Keane reckons results are what count at the moment.
“We know we haven't been playing unbelievably well in our first two games but as long as you're winning games that's what really matters and I'm sure the flowing football will follow,” said the Ireland star.
“It's important that you get off to a good start in the Premiership because it is such a competitive league and we've managed to do that.
“You have to remember we've only played the first two games of the season and what you have to do at this stage is get points on the board. I'm sure the good football will follow.”
The Anfield outfit are ready to lodge an improved bid to sign the 26-year-old Spain international.
While Everton are thought to have met Espanyol’s asking price, Riera has set his heart on a move to their Merseyside neighbours.
However, that will only happen if Liverpool increase their bid of around £9m for a player Espanyol value nearer the £12m mark.
Benitez has tracked Riera all summer and has now turned to the former Mallorca and Bordeaux man in an effort to solve Liverpool’s problem left midfield area.
Aston Villa’s £18m valuation ultimately scuppered a move for Gareth Barry while Middlesbrough have slapped a similarly prohibitive price tag on Stewart Downing.
Riera spent six months on loan at Manchester City in 2006 but the Premier League club failed to agree a fee with Espanyol over a permanent transfer.
Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre yesterday admitted Riera is on the brink of a move to England, but reiterated his club’s determination to receive top dollar.
“We have received two interesting offers, both of which are from English clubs,” said Llibre. “What we always do is defend our interests. We won’t sell any player if the bid is not the amount we have asked for.
“If they want Albert Riera, they'll have to pay what Espanyol is asking.”
And Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrara, a former member of Benitez’s backroom staff at Liverpool, was even more specific.
He said: “There is a team which is offering what we have asked and another one which isn’t, but the player is interested in the one which is offering the least.
“We will not lower our asking price.”
Meanwhile, Robbie Keane is confident Liverpool can soon click into gear following a spluttering start to the campaign.
Despite winning their first two Premier League games, Benitez’s side have been worryingly below par after earlier being fortunate to escape with a goalless draw from their Champions League game at Standard Liege.
Liverpool entertain the Belgians in tomorrow’s second leg and Keane reckons results are what count at the moment.
“We know we haven't been playing unbelievably well in our first two games but as long as you're winning games that's what really matters and I'm sure the flowing football will follow,” said the Ireland star.
“It's important that you get off to a good start in the Premiership because it is such a competitive league and we've managed to do that.
“You have to remember we've only played the first two games of the season and what you have to do at this stage is get points on the board. I'm sure the good football will follow.”
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