Benitez hoping to get rid of Riera

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed the club is looking to offload winger Albert Riera in the next fortnight.

The Spain international angered Benitez with his outspoken criticism last week, claiming the manager does not communicate with players and describing Liverpool as a “sinking ship”.

He was immediately suspended for several days by the club and it now seems certain Riera, who has a Russian wife, is likely to be farmed out on loan to a Russian club before the close of their transfer window early next month.

“We are working with different clubs trying to find a solution at this moment,” said Benitez. “We will try to do some business if we can and see what happens.”