Olympiacos in talks over Riera

Liverpool have confirmed they are in talks with Olympiacos over the sale of winger Albert Riera.

The Spaniard played no part in tonight’s friendly draw with Grasshoppers in Switzerland as discussions over his future are continuing with the Greek side.

“Albert Riera did not play as a precaution because negotiations are ongoing with Olympiacos,” said manager Roy Hodgson.

Olympiacos manager Ewald Lienen is expecting to sign winger Riera by the end of the week.

“Unless there is a major surprise then he will be our player,” he said.

“He is a great player who has proven his worth both at club level and for the Spanish national side.”

Riera arrived at Anfield two years ago from Espanyol in a £10m deal and although he was relatively successful in his first season he tailed off badly in the last campaign.

He effectively spent the last three months of the season on suspension having fallen out with former manager Rafael Benitez after accusing the Spaniard of not talking to him, compounding the problem by then describing the club as a “sinking ship”.