Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez has completed the transfer deadline day signing of Espanyol’s Spanish winger Albert Riera for a fee reported to be in the region of £5.5 Million. During negotiations, Liverpool have also allowed Irish full back Steve Finnan to move to Spain for an undisclosed fee.

This will be the second spell in England for Riera. He spent the 2006/07 season on loan at Manchester City, but after an insipid time at Eastlands he returned to Espanyol. On his arrival at Anfield, the 26 year old said “It is important to fight for everything; to fight to win The Premier League, the Champions League and the two cups…We want to challenge for everything until the last minute of the last game."

Manager Benitez said “Riera has the qualities we were looking for. He's a left-footer who normally plays on the left wing. He's good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser”.

Finnan’s transfer in the other direction was a major surprise. The 32 year has moved down the pecking order at Anfield in the last twelve months and a return to Fulham or a move to Aston Villa had been mooted.

The Irish international has signed a two year deal at the Spanish club.