Riera set to be shipped off to Russia after Rafa Benitez rant

Liverpool outcast Albert Riera will be exported to Russia this week following his rant at Rafa Benitez and his description of the Reds as a “sinking ship”.

The club hope to recoup most of the £8million they paid Espanyol for the Spanish winger less than two years ago by offloading him to Champions League quarter-finalists CSKA Moscow.

The transfer window is open in Russia until next month and Spartak Moscow have also lodged an ­interest.

Riera, who has been told there is no way back for him at Anfield despite a desperate attempt to retract his bitter criticism, would prefer to stay in England or move to Italy or Spain.

But those options are closed and the prospect of Champions League football is likely to take him to ­CSKA. Riera’s Russian wife Yulia is also keen on a move to her homeland.