Pearce clinches midfielder Riera on season loan

MANCHESTER City have signed Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera on loan until the end of the season.

City boss Stuart Pearce has the option of buying the player, who joined Espanyol from Bordeaux last summer and previously played with Mallorca, for £3.5 million (€5 million).

The left-sided Riera, aged 23, has started just four games this season, three of those in the UEFA Cup.

Espanyol manager Miguel Angel Lotina told Spanish newspaper Marca: “We have a lot to gain and little to lose. I could not promise him minutes and I understand that Riera had an offer which would open doors for him as well as allow him to be better paid.

“He has the option of returning here in June or completing his move if they buy him.”