Riera closes in on exit but Spartak Moscow demand commitment

Albert Riera must prove his desire to move to Russia before Spartak Moscow complete a deal to take him from Liverpool.

Spartak boss Valery Karpin has confirmed that talks to sign Riera on loan are reaching a conclusion, but the club's billionaire owner Leonid Fedun wants to speak to the Spain winger before bankrolling his wages.

'I won't hide that we are in negotiations,' said Fedun, 'but we need to understand what the footballer wants: to do his time here before the World Cup finals, or to really help out.

'If it's the former, then the deal doesn't suit us for that kind of money.'

Liverpool would prefer to sell rather than loan, but a bid has not been forthcoming from other Russian clubs, who have until April 8 before their extended transfer window closes.

A loan move is understood to suit Riera, who has a Russian wife but would prefer to look at what other options might be available in the summer.

Karpin is keen to complete the deal, but warned: 'Negotiations on Riera are in the final stages, but it can happen that everything breaks down at the last minute.'

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