Serie A side Napoli are reported to be interested in Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Napoli manager Rafael Benitez, a former Liverpool manager, is keen to renew acquaintances this summer.
Following the signing of ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Reina now has question marks surrounding his future. The 30-year old Spaniard has been at Liverpool since 2005 – joining from Spanish La Liga side Villareal. At the time, Benitez, who was Liverpool manager, said he was ‘the best keeper in the world’. 8 years on and the 53-year old is looking to sign him for his new side.
Liverpool’s newest recruit, Belgian international Simon Mignolet, enjoyed a successful season on a personal level for Sunderland. The side were involved in a relegation battle for the duration of the season, but Mignolet enjoyed great form throughout. His signing to Liverpool won’t be to sit on the substitute’s bench next season, he’s already stated he wants to fight Reina for the #1 jersey.
With Brad Jones currently the side’s third-choice goalkeeper, Reina might consider any offer put to him to join another side for the coming season.
Reina’s asking price is said to be around £7M, but no official bid has been made from any side for his services. Last season, he made an impressive 14 clean sheets in 31 Premier League games. While many feel Reina was nowhere near to his best form during the 2012/13 league campaign, it speaks volumes of how useful he can be when in top form.
Napoli manager Rafael Benitez is looking to Reina to become the Italian side’s number one goalkeeper for the coming season, and is expected to test Liverpool’s resolve with a bid soon. There is no word from the Liverpool camp whether the Merseyside outfit are willnig to sell Reina, but given the stiff competition for places, a bid matching his asking price could well be considered.
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