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Reina would welcome Barcelona return

ESPN staff
October 5, 2013
Pepe Reina started his career at Barcelona as a youth player © Getty Images
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Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has indicated he would be happy with a return to Barcelona next summer.

Reina was reunited with former boss Rafael Benitez when he signed on a season-long loan for Napoli in July, although reports in Spain claim Barcelona could make a move for him at the end of the season in order to replace Victor Valdes.

In September, Reina admitted he is unlikely to ever play for Liverpool again despite having three years remaining on his contract at Anfield, with manager Brendan Rodgers preferring Simon Mignolet as his first choice goalkeeper.

While the Spaniard admitted he would be pleased with a return to the club he started his career at, for the moment Reina confirmed his concentration was firmly on his time with Napoli.

"I am happy that my name has been linked with Barcelona," Reina told Radio Catalunya. "But right now I'm focused on Napoli and doing well here. In the summer, we'll see what happens.

"There has been nothing established yet, but I think Barcelona will have a long list of eligible candidates to replace Valdes - should he leave."

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