• Premier League

Rodgers rules out Reina Reds exit

ESPN staff
June 24, 2013
Pepe Reina's future was questioned with the imminent arrival of Simon Mignolet © Getty Images
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that the imminent arrival of Simon Mignolet does not mean the end for Pepe Reina's career at the club.

Mignolet is believed to be on the verge of completing a move to Anfield, with Sunderland reportedly accepting a Reds bid of around £9 million for the goalkeeper.

Liverpool's interest in the Belgium international has led to speculation that Reina is set for a summer exit from the club, with Barcelona having been linked with the Spain international.

Reina, however, welcomed the signing of Mignolet on Sunday, and Rodgers has now said that the move is purely to create more competition for places in his squad.

"One of the things we're trying to build is a competitive squad," Rodgers told the Daily Express. "Our squad was very thin last year. It's very important we have competition in every position and that wasn't always the case.

"Pepe and I went out for a meal a couple of months before the end of the season and I told him exactly what we were going to do, which was to provide real competition in that area.

"Pepe is a fantastic goalkeeper but Simon Mignolet is a player that has done really well. He's also part of an emerging Belgium squad that has come into a golden era. Pepe is a very committed man and an outstanding goalkeeper."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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