Liverpool sign Riera, offload Finnan and Voronin

Liverpool signed Spain winger Albert Riera and offloaded veteran defender Steve Finnan and Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin in a busy transfer deadline day at Anfield on Monday.

But as Riera's arrival from Spanish first division side Espanyol was confirmed, the club suffered a setback when striker Fernando Torres was ruled out of action for two to three weeks with a hamstring tear.

Riera, 26, has signed a four-year contract for a transfer fee believed to be around eight million pounds after turning down a host of other clubs including Liverpool's city neighbours Everton.

The winger, who has made five appearances for his country but was left out of the Euro 2008 squad, has already tasted Premier League action having played for Manchester City on loan in the 2005-06 season.

Liverpool's Spanish manager Rafael Benitez said Riera would give the club fresh options in attack.

“Riera has the qualities we were looking for,” Benitez said. “He's a left footer who normally plays on the left wing, he's good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser of the ball.

“He can talk English and of course he knows the Premier League, which is a big bonus.

“Usually foreign players need time when they go to a new country, but Riera already knows the league and the style of football.”

Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan, a member of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League-winning team, moved in the other direction, joining Espanyol for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract.

Right-back Finnan, 32, lost his place in Rafa Benitez's team this season after the pre-season signings of full-backs Andrea Dossena and Philipp Degen.

He is expected to make his debut for his new club against Getafe on September 21.

Voronin, 29, meanwhile was loaned to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin on a one-year deal after failing to establish himself in his one year at Anfield during which he scored six times in 27 appearances.

Torres had already pulled out of the Spain squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia-Hercegovina and Armenia after tearing a hamstring in the goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Liverpool confirmed on Monday that the club's top scorer last season would be sidelined “between two and three weeks” and may struggle to be fit for the Champions League group stage opener at Marseille on September 16.

A club spokesman said: “A scan this afternoon has confirmed a hamstring tear in Fernando's right leg. He is expected to be out for between two and three weeks.”