• Premier League

Hodgson warns United off Reina

ESPN staff
October 28, 2010
Pepe Reina is set to stay at Liverpool © Getty Images
Enlarge

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has issued a firm hands-off warning to Manchester United over goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The Old Trafford side have been linked with a move for the Spanish shot-stopper as they bid to find a long-term replacement for 40-year-old Edwin van der Sar, who is considering retiring at the end of the season.

But Hodgson is determined to keep hold of his best players as Liverpool look to turn around their season under new owners New England Sports Ventures.

"It was just one of those stories that seems to occur - it's just disappointing and annoying. Pepe is fantastic here, he is a lifeblood of this team," Hodgson told the Liverpool Echo.

"Everything he does around the club is excellent - he is always lively in the dressing room, he is always first class in training and he always wants to do more to improve. He demands better from those around him, he is always pushing people on. He is a player who we hold in the highest esteem.

"We have heard nothing from Manchester United and, more to the point, we don't want to hear anything from Manchester United. If [Sir Alex] Ferguson is looking around at the end of the season and he has got lots of money to replace [Edwin] van der Sar, he might very well want Pepe Reina because he is the best around.

"But we do not want to sell him. I would like to think that we are going to become a successful club once again and Pepe is crucial to that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices