Liverpool and Tottenham are locked in a battle to sign Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera, according to reports emanating from Spain.Reds boss Rafa Benitez is rumoured to be a keen admirer of the 26-year-old Spain international.

It is claimed that Liverpool may offer a fee in the region of £8million with winger Sebastian Leto, who signed at Anfield in 2007, included in the deal.

However, former Reds scout Paco Herrera, now at Espanyol, has revealed that the club would be unwilling to accept a part exchange offer.

"It is certain that we are interested in Leto, but our idea is to prepare a separate deal for Riera," Herrera said.

Spurs and Fiorentina are also rumoured to be interested in securing Riera's signature.

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