Friday, 19th March 2010

Liverpool winger Albert Riera, who has been told to stay away from Anfield until Monday following his outspoken attack on manager Rafael Benitez, is thought to be moving closer to securing a transfer to Russia.

The former Espanyol star is keen to grab a place in Spain’s World Cup party and is aware that Russia is the only major European league to which he can now move outside of the usual western European transfer window. Heading up the chase for the 27-year-old are believed to be CSKA Moscow and their city rivals Spartak. A move to Moscow would be agreeable for Riera and his Russian wife.

Riera, who cost the Anfield club £8M and was welcomed as the solution to their width problems, spoke out against manager Rafael Benitez for saying "nothing to me" and overlooking him for first team action. He also told a Spanish radio station: "I don’t want a war with the manager but at the same time I am a player and I want to play."

"I do not want to create trouble, but in this situation I have little chance of going to the World Cup. I am trying to solve the problem so at least I have a small chance."

Riera will hope a move to the Russian Premier League will get him a World Cup opportunity.

 

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