Espanyol would like Liverpool's Sebastian Leto, but are less keen on the idea of a swap deal involving their midfielder Albert Riera, it appears.

Liverpool are planning a move for Espanyol's Albert Riera, according to reports in Spain, with manager Rafa Benitez, thought to be a keen admirer of the Spain international, considering an offer of £8million plus winger Sebastian Leto.

Leto, who signed at Anfield in 2007, is a player wanted by the Barcelona-based club. But they would prefer to keep any deal involving 26-year-old Riera separate, and not linked to a Leto bid.

Former Liverpool scout Paco Herrera, who is now at Espanyol, has revealed that his new club are unwilling to accept a part-exchange offer.

"It is certain that we are interested in Leto, but our idea is to prepare a separate deal for Riera," Herrera said.