Pepe Reina welcomes Mignolet to Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has welcomed imminent new signing Simon Mignolet to the club.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Spain’s Confederations Cup match with Nigeria tonight (8pm kick off UK), Reina was quizzed on Mignolet’s arrival after manager Brendan Rodgers had explained how the Belgian was arriving to add competition in the squad.

Reina was asked if his situation had changed and supplied a professional response:

“It hasn’t changed a bit. I’ve said it many times and I’m really happy and comfortable in Liverpool and every team needs competitors and when it’s positive and encouraging one it’s more than welcome.

If he’s [Mignolet] finally done, just to welcome him a lot and anything he needs, I’m here.”

Reina’s future has understandably come under question in light of Mignolet’s imminent arrival – the Sunderland man is expected to undergo a medical on Tuesday and complete a £9m move.

Rodgers yesterday insisted Mignolet was arriving to add competition in the position, but those words should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt, as explained here.

Meanwhile, Mignolet’s ‘representative’ Guy Vandermissen has claimed a deal is yet complete. He is quoted by Sky Sports:

“We hope that there can be a deal and he can go to Liverpool.

“If you go from Sunderland to Liverpool it is a big step forward. You have to make decisions at certain times.”

“I know the qualities of Simon and he can cope with any competition, it is no problem.”

Reina’s Liverpool future is largely dependent upon Victor Valdes’ – should he leave Barcelona, Reina would find a return to Camp Nou hard to turn down and Liverpool have already signed a replacement in that case with Mignolet.

Prudent planning, or forcing Pepe out? Let us know below.

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