Source: Team_Talk
Olympiakos close in on Riera deal
Olympiakos manager Ewald Lienen is expecting to sign Liverpool winger Albert Riera by the end of the week.[LNB] The 28-year-old Spaniard joined the Reds for €12million (£10.1million) two years ago from Espanyol, but his Anfield career never got going.[LNB]He was frozen out last season after openly criticizing then manager Rafa Benitez, and new boss Roy Hodgson is expected to let him leave the club.[LNB]Greek outfit Olympiakos are set to sign Riera in a deal worth €6million (£5million), with Liverpool receiving €4million up front and an additional €2million if Pireaus win the league next term.[LNB]Manager Lienen says the Spaniard will sign unless there is a major turnaround. He said: "Unless there is a major surprise then he will be our player. [LNB]"He is a great player who has proven his worth both at club level and for the Spanish national side."[LNB]The Spaniard played no part in Wednesday night's friendly draw with Grasshoppers in Switzerland as discussions over his future are continuing with the Greek side.[LNB]"Albert Riera did not play as a precaution because negotiations are ongoing with Olympiacos," said Hodgson.
