Manchester City have signed Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera on loan until the end of the season.

City have the option of buying the player, who signed from Bordeaux last summer, for £3.5m.

Riera, 23, has started just four games this season, with three of those appearances coming in the Uefa Cup.

Espanyol manager Miguel Angel Lotina told Marca: “We have a lot to gain and little to lose.”

“I could not promise him minutes and I understand that Riera had an offer which would open doors for him as well as allow him to be better paid.

“On top of this, he has the option of returning here in June or completing his move if they buy him.

“Players are those that decide their futures and it is not down to the coaches.”

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