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Spain international Riera to have medical at Liverpool

29/08/2008

Spain winger Albert Riera has flown to England to complete a move to Liverpool.

The 26-year-old will arrive for a medical after the Reds agreed a fee of around £8 million with Espanyol.

Liverpool beat off competition from rivals Everton to sign the midfielder despite the Toffees making a higher offer, according to reports.

It will be Riera’s second spell in the Premier League having been on loan at Manchester City in the 2005-06 season.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez said they are very close to completing the deal.

"The player is coming here. Everybody knows because Espanyol have put it on their website that he is coming here for a medical, " the Spaniard said.

"He has experience in the Premier League and that is really important. If everything is okay we can talk about his qualities, but for now we will just say he is the option we are looking for.”

The signing of Riera will be a massive boost for Benitez whose side have made a unconvincing start to the season.

They have won their first two league fixtures with late goals and squeezed through to the group stages of the Champions League after extra-time on Wednesday.

New signing Robbie Keane has failed to score with critics claiming it is because the Reds play without natural wingers.

Liverpool are away to Aston Villa on Sunday in the Premier League.