Liverpool full back John Arne Riise could be on his way to Spain following news that Atletico Madrid and Villareal have both joined the chase to sign the Norwegian. Schalke and Newcastle are also circling...
Riise, 27, who signed for Liverpool from Monaco in 2001, has become surplus to requirements at Anfield and is widely expected to leave the club this summer.The Norwegian, who is one of the longest serving players at Anfield, has had a mixed season this year. The arrival of Fabio Aurelio has increased the competition for places in the side and Riise has not only lost his place in the starting line up but has also been forced to play out of position in midfield at times this season.Riise, who made a name for himself as a defender with a ferocious shot has also seen his goals dry up this season.Indeed the goal he will be most remembered for will be the last minute own goal he conceded against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final which turned the tie in Chelsea’s favour.With manager Rafael Benitez keen to raise funds in order to embark on a summer spending spree it is thought that Riise is one of the players the Liverpool manager is more than willing to sell in order to free up some funds.This is something that the player himself has acknowledged recently as he has reportedly told the press he is aware he may have to leave Liverpool in order to find regular first team football.Other MovesRiise has reportedly already rejected a move to Newcastle and there have also been rumours that Juventus are interested in signing the Norwegian, although this seems unlikely.Far more credible are recent reports that the German side Schalke 04 are interested in the defender as well as Atletico Madrid and Villareal.Whilst it is unclear where he will end up what does seem apparent is that his days at Anfield are all but over.
Riise, 27, who signed for Liverpool from Monaco in 2001, has become surplus to requirements at Anfield and is widely expected to leave the club this summer.The Norwegian, who is one of the longest serving players at Anfield, has had a mixed season this year. The arrival of Fabio Aurelio has increased the competition for places in the side and Riise has not only lost his place in the starting line up but has also been forced to play out of position in midfield at times this season.Riise, who made a name for himself as a defender with a ferocious shot has also seen his goals dry up this season.Indeed the goal he will be most remembered for will be the last minute own goal he conceded against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final which turned the tie in Chelsea’s favour.With manager Rafael Benitez keen to raise funds in order to embark on a summer spending spree it is thought that Riise is one of the players the Liverpool manager is more than willing to sell in order to free up some funds.This is something that the player himself has acknowledged recently as he has reportedly told the press he is aware he may have to leave Liverpool in order to find regular first team football.Other MovesRiise has reportedly already rejected a move to Newcastle and there have also been rumours that Juventus are interested in signing the Norwegian, although this seems unlikely.Far more credible are recent reports that the German side Schalke 04 are interested in the defender as well as Atletico Madrid and Villareal.Whilst it is unclear where he will end up what does seem apparent is that his days at Anfield are all but over.
Gill Clark
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