Real Madrid have joined Barcelona in their interest for Liverpool winger Albert Riera.

The Mirror says the Spain left-sider was left perplexed and annoyed by Rafa Benitez' decision to leave him out of the squad when he wanted to open the new campaign with a bang.

Liverpool's pre-match suggestion that Riera was not fit was news to the 27-year-old former Espanyol man, who could not understand why he had been left out to accommodate Ryan Babel in the starting line-up.

Real and Barca have been made aware that Riera, who cost £8million on deadline day last term and scored five goals in 40 appearances for the Anfield outfit, could be available before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.