Riera signs for Reds

12:33am Tuesday 2nd September 2008

Liverpool have signed Spain winger Albert Riera from La Liga side Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Anfield after choosing Rafael Benitez's side over a host of other clubs including neighbours Everton.

Riera, who has been given the number 11 shirt at Anfield, has previously played in the Barclays Premier League in the 2005-06 season when he was on loan at Manchester City.

Riera became Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's number one transfer target after England midfielder Gareth Barry committed his future to Aston Villa.

Benitez has been short of options down the left-hand side with Ryan Babel away representing Holland at the Olympics until last weekend, while Steven Gerrard has looked ineffective out of position on the wing.

Landing Riera has left Benitez, therefore, understandably delighted.

"He's the kind of player we have been talking about. He can beat players and get good deliveries into the area for our strikers.

"He can speak English and of course he knows the Premier League, which is a big bonus. Usually foreign players need time when they go to a new country, but Riera already knows the league and the style of football."

Meanwhile, in a deal going the other way, Espanyol have signed Liverpool full-back Steve Finnan on a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has spent the last five seasons at Liverpool, will help provide defensive cover at Espanyol following the recent departure of right-back Pablo Zabaleta to Manchester City.