The powers that be at Valencia are ready to move for a key member of the attacking ranks at Deportivo Alavés at some point this week.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Luis Rioja as the player in question.
Wide-man Rioja, for his part, is fresh off a solid individual campaign in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
On his way to appearances in all but one of Alavés’ La Liga outings, the 30-year-old racked up a none-too-shabby nine direct goal contributions.
Such exploits have piqued the attentions of a number of clubs across the Spanish top-flight landscape, with Real Betis, for one, known to be keen.
As alluded to above, though, if the latest word stemming from the media on Tuesday is anything to go by, it is another outfit who are ready to move forward with an opening offer for Rioja.
As per MD:
‘Valencia want to undertake the signing of Luis Rioja in the next few days.’
Los Che head coach Rubén Baraja is directly behind the club’s imminent push for the Spaniard, of the opinion that Rioja represents the ideal profile to slot into the berth on the left of his attack.
Alavés, for their part, are also increasingly inclined to sanction a deal, ahead of the expiration of their talented winger’s contract terms in 12 months’ time.
Conor Laird | GSFN
