Merseyside powerhouse Liverpool, are set to force a permanent move for the sale of goalkeeper Pepe Reina, according to Goal.com. Reina, who is currently on loan to Serie A side Napoli, has since been deemed as surplus by the Reds, following the signing of Simon Mignolet in the summer. Mignolet, 25, has proved to be a superb find since signing from Sunderland for a fee of £9M and as such, has become a long term prospect for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
After just 25 appearances for The Azzurri, manager Rafa Benitez is keen to permanently tie down the former Barcelona goalkeeper. Benitez is close-knit with his fellow Spaniard Reina, as he signed him from Villarreal in 2005 during his tenure as manager for premier league side Liverpool.
Nonetheless, with Victor Valdes confirming his exit in the summer, 31-year old Reina may flirt with a move back to the Nou Camp where he was part of the Barcelona youth team.
Back in November 2013, The Catalans’ vice-president Josep Bartomeu confirmed that Reina was among shortlisted candidates considered as possible permanent replacements for Valdes.
Although Liverpool is willing to listen to offers within the region of £4M, the fee may go up should a heavyweight like Barcelona table a bid.
