Recently by Ian Doyle

ALBERT RIERA is hoping to repeat his first experience of English football by helping Rafael Benitez finally break his Manchester United hoodoo.

The Spain international left-winger was unveiled at Melwood yesterday after arriving from Espanyol on Monday's transfer deadline day for an initial £5.5million fee.

Riera is in line for an immediate debut when Liverpool host champions United on Saturday week.

RAFAEL BENITEZ believes Manchester City now pose a major threat to Liverpool's top-four aspirations.

And the Anfield manager accepts the grand designs of City's new investors could make his quest to end Liverpool's long wait for the championship even more difficult.

Benitez reckons the capture of Robinho for a British record transfer fee of £32.5million may have set in motion a chain of events that will threaten the accepted 'big four' of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

IF the Premier League remains the Holy Grail at Anfield, then the left wing of midfield has become something of a poisoned chalice in recent times.

A procession of players have tried but failed to solve what has proven a problem position for Liverpool under Rafael Benitez.

Anyone who has witnessed the Anfield outfit labour through the opening weeks of the season will have been acutely aware of the chronic lack of width hampering the team.

RAFAEL BENITEZ has assured Jermaine Pennant he won't freeze him out at Liverpool.

The Anfield manager was prepared to let the winger leave the club during the recent transfer window.

Pennant had talks with both Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers but ultimately declined the advances of the Premier League duo.

LIVERPOOL resisted a late move from Arsenal to sign Xabi Alonso before the transfer deadline on Monday night.

The Gunners made contact with Anfield officials to enquire about the availability of the Spain international.

But before any talk of a possible bid could be begin, the Londoners were told the midfielder was not for sale.