Martin ONeill tried for the Norwegian international during the
summer transfer window, yet he was told by Rafael Benitez he would
only consider selling if Gabriel Heinze arrived at Anfield.
Although the Argentina international was keen to move to Merseyside
his club Manchester United blocked the move, and he eventually
signed for Spanish champions Real Madrid.
However, Villa remain eager to land Riise when the transfer window
reopens, and with just sixteen months remaining on the players
contract, ONeill hopes his counterpart will relent.
