Maxi to join Liverpool 'in coming hours'

Liverpool are set to confirm the signing of Maxi Rodriguez in the next few hours, according to reports in Spain.

The 29-year-old will seal his £1.5 million switch from Atletico Madrid later today after successful negotiations.

Securing a place in Argentina's squad for this summer's World Cup has been a key factor in the winger's decision, after he was frozen out at the Vicente Calderon after falling out with manager Quique Sanchez Flores.

He was left out of Atleti's 2-1 win over Sevilla last weekend and did not feature in their 3-0 reversal at home to Recreativo de Huelva in their Copa del Rey clash.

With his current deal in the Spanish capital expiring at the end of June, Rodriguez has been keen to secure regular first-team football.

It has also been reported that he told his current teammates at the club's Majadahonda training complex yesterday. about his imminent departure.

Albert Riera's agent, meanwhile, has dismissed reports linking his client with a move to Olympiakos.

The former Espanyol player was believed to be a target for the Greek outfit if their bid to land his Anfield team mate Yossi Benayoun.

However Angel Castell insists that the 27-year-old's future lies at Anfield, despite a series of injuries restricting his chances of first-team action this season.

He said: "I have not heard from Olympiakos at all.

"Albert has this year and two more years to go on his contract and he wants to stay at Liverpool.

"Albert is just thinking about recovering from injury and getting back into the team."

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