Espanyol claim Riera loan completed

Stuart Pearce looks to have finally got his man after opposite number Miguel Angel Lotina agreed to part with the left-sided player, who joined the Primera Liga outfit in the summer from Bordeaux.

City have the option of buying the 23-year-old at the end of the season for £3.5million.

The former Mallorca player has only started 4 games this season, 3 of which in the UEFA Cup, and on Friday met with Lotina to discuss the offer from City.

“I could not promise him minutes and I understand that Riera had an offer which would open doors for him as well as allow him to be better paid,” Lotina told Spanish paper Marca.

“On top of this, he has the option of returning here in June or completing his move if they buy him. We have a lot to gain and little to lose.”