The Liverpool Echo is reporting that Barcelona are planning a move for Kop keeper Pepe Reina.
Despite no contact having been made to this point, the paper predicts a summer approach to Liverpool is on the cards.
I’m not a betting man but if I was, then I’d bet on this. This has to be the no-brainer transfer to beat all no-brainer transfers.
Victor Valdes imminent departure from the Camp Nou ending eleven years loyal and dependable service leaves a massive void.
Reina is the son of former Barcelona keeper Miguel Reina and despite being born in Madrid began his career in the clubs legendary La Masia youth academy.
It has become clear in recent years that Barca are not averse to re-signing players who have left the club in their youth, Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas and Jordi Alba being the cases in point.
A return to Catalonia would appear a natural step for the man who lovingly dragged a Barcelona shirt over Cesc’s head while he was still an Arsenal player.
A regular in the Spain squad, Reina would have been disappointed during Iker Casillas recent injury absence that Valdes was selected for the World Cup qualifiers in his place.
Moving back to Spain will undoubtedly improve his chances of staking a claim for the national jersey, with coach Del Bosque notoriously loath to travel to watch Premier League games.
Next season being a World Cup year the importance of this cannot be underestimated.
Allen Whyte