With it still very uncertain whether or not Liverpool will sign Gareth Barry, the Times reckons that Rafa B has been examining some of the alternatives, and apparently he likes the look of two wingers.

The Times reports that Rafa B is running the rule over Espanyol’s Albert Riera and Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing, and will swoop once the door shuts on Barry once and for all. Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, is ready to concede defeat in his pursuit of Gareth Barry and turn his attentions elsewhere, with Albert Riera, the Espanyol winger, understood to be in his thoughts.

With the Liverpool board refusing to sanction £18 million for Barry, Benítez is mindful that time is running out to secure another high-profile signing and has identified Riera and Stewart Downing, the Middlesbrough winger, as possible alternatives.

Espanyol were demanding £19 million for Riera but Benítez would be confident of getting the Spain winger, 26, who was on loan at Manchester City in 2006, for considerably less, even though he is also an admirer of Downing. (The Times)

Both Riera and Downing would be strong signings, but surely the bigger issue is that Rafa B’s choice of signing has been heavily influenced by his American paymasters, whose combined knowledge of football is minuscule.

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