"We are very, very close," the Spanish tactician told a press conference on Friday.

"The player is coming here. Everybody knows because Espanyol have put it on their website that he is coming here for a medical, but he has not signed yet.

"He has experience in the Premier League and that is really important. If everything is okay we can talk about his qualities, but for now we will just say he is the option we are looking for."

Liverpool have turned their attention towards Riera after failing in their attempt to sign Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

The five-time European champions signed five players in the close season, including Irish striker Robbie Keane.