Fener join Riera hunt

Turks ready to compete with Liverpool

By Francisco Acedo & Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 17th July 2008

albert riera espanyol

Riera: In-demand

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Fenerbahce have emerged as rivals to Liverpool for Albert Riera's signature, skysports.com understands.

The Turkish giants have recently appointed Luis Aragones as coach and the man who led Spain to Euro 2008 glory is eager to add some players he knows well to his squad.

Daniel Guiza has already moved to Istanbul from Real Mallorca and now Aragones is ready to turn his attention to Riera.

Riera spent time on loan at Manchester City in 2006, but since being back with Espanyol he has rejuvenated himself and even become a full international.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with Riera for a number of months and now Barcelona-based media are suggesting that The Reds have made fresh contact.

Sources claim Liverpool are willing to pay €10million (£7.9million) for Riera, which is €5million short of Espanyol's valuation.

However, Espanyol's sporting director Paco Herrera has suggested they are willing to think over any offer, which could give Liverpool hope of sealing a deal.

However, Fener are ready to compete with Liverpool and having paid €17.4million for Guiza, the Turkish giants are unlikely to baulk at Riera's asking price.