Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool reject Riera loan bid as outcast eyes switch to Russia
On the move: Riera[LNB]Rafael Benitez has rejected a bid by Spartak Moscow to take out-of-favour Albert Riera on loan.[LNB]Liverpool are keen to offload the Spain winger following his criticism of the manager and bust-up with a reserve player but they want £5million. [LNB]Talks between the two clubs will continue, but Spartak feel they are in a strong position after Moscow rivals CSKA and Lokomotiv made it clear they would not make a move.[LNB]Riera is anxious to secure a move before the Russian transfer deadline of April 8 because he fears for his place in the Spain national team.[LNB]'Russia seems to me a very interesting option, because, firstly, it is the only prestigious league in which the transfer window is still open, and, second, I expect to earn a place at the World Cup in South Africa if I'm playing there constantly,' said the 27-year-old, whose wife Yulia Koroleva is from Russia.[LNB]'I hope the issue with my transfer will be resolved as early as this week.'[LNB] Enlarge Divide: Riera and Benitez in training at Mellwood last week[LNB]A loan till the end of June would suit Riera, who could then assessoffers in more established European leagues, but Liverpool hope offersfor a straight cash transfer could yet be forthcoming.[LNB]Spartak boss Valery Karpin led the protest when the Russian transferdeadline was put back from March 11, but he could now be the biggest togain from the last-minute switch.[LNB] Riera cleared for Spartak move as CSKA declare themselves out of raceBenitez blasts Albert Reira for timing of his Liverpool 'sinking ship' comments Liverpool striker Ryan Babel admits: I owe club a decent end to the seasonMartin Samuel: Some sinking facts for Rafa on another bad day for LiverpoolLIVERPOOL FC
