Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is stepping up his pursuit of Espanyol winger Albert Riera.

Riera is excited about the prospect of a return to England following his stint in the top flight on loan with Manchester City two years ago.

The Espanyol ace said: "I always want to improve and progress and I am waiting for my agent to come with news of an offer from a big club."

That is coming from Liverpool - but Reds boss Benitez will have to cough up £10million for Riera after failing to tempt the La Liga outfit with a player-plus-cash deal, says the News of the World.

An Anfield offer of £6million plus £3m-rated Argentinian winger Sebastian Leto was knocked back by the Spanish club, who are insisting on a cash-only arrangement.