Liverpool lead Riera chase

Liverpool are leading the chase against Everton for Albert Riera- who wants to join the red half of Merseyside, according to Guillem Balague.

It was reported on Balague’s website:

I have spoken with sources close to Albert Riera who have told me that the player “could not be trying any harder than he is to make the move to Liverpool happen.”

With Anfield therefore clearly the player’s first choice, the same sources also said that Albert knows “he will learn a lot from Benitez and he knows how serious the Liverpool manager is, although he knows he is going to have to work very hard.”

The Toffees joined the chase for Riera last week, by going into advanced talks with Espanyol for the winger.

Liverpool are also looking at their options with Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing and Villa’s Gareth Barry in contention.

There are now less than 10 days left in the transfer window, with Everton still looking to sign their first player of the season.