Ajax sports chief Martin van Geel has spoken openly of their interest in Espanyol winger Albert Riera.

The Dutch club have already had one offer turned down by Espanyol, but Van Geel says: "Ajax wants Riera and the player wants to go to Ajax. Espanyol seems to not want to negotiate, but things can become flexible this week.

"If things do not go well, we will look at other alternatives."

Espanyol want £10 million for Riera, while Ajax won't go higher than £8 million for the left-sided winger.