Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre has revealed Albert Riera could be on the verge of a move to the Premier League, but insists the winger will not be going on the cheap.
The president of the Barcelona-based side admitted he had received offers from two English clubs, reported by the Spanish press to be Liverpool and Everton.
The Spanish side have fought throughout pre-season to keep hold of their best players, with repeated bids from Benfica for forward Luis Garcia rejected because the Portuguese club would not meet Espanyol's asking price.
And Sanchez Llibre insists he is ready to do the same with the Premier League duo if they are not prepared to pay what the club is asking.
"We have received two interesting offers, both of which are from English clubs," he told Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo.
"What we always do is defend our interests. We won't sell any player if the bid is not the amount we have asked for.
"If they want Albert Riera, they'll have to pay what Espanyol is asking."
However, he went on to add: "While Luis Garcia's possible transfer to Benfica has stalled, this one could be in its final hours.
"If someone does leave, within the next 24 hours they will be replaced."
Sporting director Paco Herrera was more specific about the situation, explaining a deal for Riera had yet to be completed because the player was more interested in joining the club which had tabled the lowest bid, believed to be Liverpool.
"There is a team which is offering what we have asked and another one which isn't, but the player is interested in the one which is offering the least," he revealed.
"We will not lower our asking price."
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Comment 1 - 6 of 6
I think Riera or Quaresma is a fantastic signing for Liverpool dis seasons..Come on rafa buy this player as soon as possible
We're about to spend more money on some middle of the road rubbish. Riera is no where near Liverpool class as proven by his half a season at Man City where he hardly set the world on fire. Can't see him going head to head with Ronaldo, Nani, Giggs, Andersson or even Wes Brown's granny to be frank. We need quality and that means spending 15 to 20 million. I would be happy with Downing and he might even give us a bit of change out of that figure.
Raffa don't do it, he show no attitude for the english game when at city. I doubt he could have improved so much that he is worth the cash? Still think we need a out and out winger with a gritty attitude and skill.
stewart downing would be a better buy for liverpool
quaresma wouldnt want to come here and not be the star of the club plus he is inconsistant. how about dont buy anybody till december when we know exactly what we need. for the time being are sqaud is good enough so lets save our next big transfer for when it can be most effective.
he's not worth the asking price that they want. Rafa don't buy him, buy quaresma instead.
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