• Premier League

Reina welcomes signing of Mignolet

ESPN staff
June 24, 2013
The future of Pepe Reina continues to be uncertain © Getty Images
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Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has welcomed the club's move to sign Sunderland stopper Simon Mignolet, even though the deal appears to cast a doubt over his own future at Anfield.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted Mignolet's signing will merely add to the competition in his squad rather than signal the end of Reina's eight-year stint between the sticks for Liverpool, yet it has sparked speculation that one of the club's biggest earners will be moved on this summer.

Reina has been strongly linked with moves to Arsenal and Barcelona in recent months, but says he is content to battle for his place in the side next season.

"It has not changed a bit," Reina told reporters at the Confederations Cup when asked about his future in the light of Mignolet's imminent arrival. "I have said it many times, I'm very comfortable and very happy at Liverpool.

"Every team needs competitors, and when it's positive, it is more than welcome. If it is finally done, I'll welcome him a lot and anything he needs, I'm here."

However, Liverpool legend John Aldridge is less convinced that Reina has a future at the club as he took to Twitter to express his belief that the club's desire to trim their wage bill will see the No.1 jersey change hands next season.

"I'd love to have the Pepe and Mignolet for the strength of squad, but there's no way that will happen with the quality of the two," stated Aldridge on Twitter. "I reckon Pepe's future days are sorted with the new keeper signing next week. Looks ominous and maybe mutual?

"Mignolet is an excellent keeper and he;ll be a big loss to Sunderland, He'll do really well for us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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