Riise edges towards exit

Norwegian '50-50' over Roma move

By Kent Hedlundh & Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 18th June 2008

riise john arne

Riise: Roma link

Liverpool defender John Arne Riise admits it is '50-50' as to whether he will be at Anfield for the start of next season.

Reports suggest the Norwegian full-back, who can also operate in midfield, is on the verge of agreeing a 5million euros (£3.9m) move to Roma after falling out of favour at Liverpool.

Riise, who scored a decisive own goal in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat to Chelsea last season, has previously admitted that he may be forced to leave Merseyside in order to secure a fresh challenge.

And the 26-year-old has now indicated that, with discussions with Roma understood to be taking place, he could move to Serie A before Liverpool return to pre-season on 7th July.

"At the moment, it's 50-50 that I will change employer, but things might happen before the re-start in England," Riise told VG.

"I have only got one year left on my contract and that means the price could be lower.

"I need to play. I need to be at a club where I can progress."