Liverpool chief Rick Parry admits they managed to beat Everton for former Espanyol winger Albert Riera.

Riera impressed in yesterday's victory over Manchester United and Parry wrote on liverpoolfc.tv: "The capture of Albert Riera from Espanyol finally secured the left-sided player Rafa Benitez has been looking for and that was great news on the transfer deadline.

"Riera chose us ahead of a number of clubs, including Everton, and it's always a good sign when a player has a real determination to join you.

"The Spanish international has already experienced the Premier League during a loan spell at Manchester City and so that should help him to settle in quickly.

"Of course, we found ourselves saying goodbye to Steve Finnan, one of our great servants. He went in the opposite direction and with the best wishes of everyone at the club. Steve has been one of our unsung heroes.

"I recall that he very nearly went on loan to Manchester City in 2004. We changed our minds on transfer deadline day and that decision would lead to Steve stepping up his Anfield claims and then winning a Champions League medal in Istanbul. Good luck to him at Espanyol."