Martin OÂ’Neill 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, OÂ’Neill hopes his counterpart will relent.
