Liverpool Transfer News: Pepe Reina Refutes Barcelona Link, Says He is Happy at Anfield

Feb 19, 2013 03:35 AM EST

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina continued to play down reports of an impending move to Barcelona, saying he was perfectly happy at Anfield.

Barcelona are in the market for a goalkeeper next season, with Victor Valdes expected to leave in the summer after admitting he would not be signing a new deal with the club. Valdes' current contract expires in 2014, and the goalkeeper has been reportedly interesting Liverpool.

Reina was immediately linked with a move to the Camp Nou, the club where he started his career, with the Liverpool goalkeeper's father also admitting his son would love to return to his first club.

However, Reina immediately came out and played down those reports and has again reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield.

"Any talk of me joining Barca is just speculation," Reina told Radio Marca. "I've got a contract at Liverpool and I'm very happy here.

"I'm sure Víctor Valdes with have his reasons for deciding to leave Barcelona. I respect him. He's my teammate and friend. He'll be leaving with his head held high, as he's given his all to Barcelona."

Reina has also been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, who failed with a bid a few years back.

Arsene Wenger has reportedly made the signing of a goalkeeper a priority in the summer, and could go back for the Spanish international if he were made available, with Brendan Rodgers reportedly looking at Ali Al Habsi of Wigan and Michel Vorm of Swansea along with Valdes, who incidentally Arsenal have also been linked with.

A player who is expected to leave the English Premier League for the La Liga is Gareth Bale, with Real Madrid currently the frontrunner for the Tottenham man's signature. And Reina said he would be glad to see the back of the Welshman.

"If Real Madrid signs Bale I'll be delighted. He causes me a lot of problems (in goal)," he joked.

Reina though does not expect Luis Suarez to leave Liverpool anytime soon.

"I can't see Luis Suarez playing in La Liga," Reina added. "I think he'll stay at Liverpool. He's a great player. So are Bale and a few others in the Premier League." 

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