Liverpool braced as Barcelona prepare bid for goalkeeper

Liverpool are bracing themselves for a bid for Pepe Reina as Barcelona hunt for a replacement for Victor Valdes.

Goalkeeper Valdes has stunned the club by informing them he won’t extend his contract, which expires in 18 months’ time, and they are now targeting Reina.

The 30-year-old, who has been the first-choice goalkeeper at Anfield since moving to Merseyside in 2005, has seen speculation surround his future in recent months following an alarming dip in form.

However, this hasn’t deterred the La Liga side, who feel his distribution abilities and skill on the ball are a perfect fit for their style.

The 30-year-old started out at Barcelona before switching to Villarreal and the 2011 European champions are now considering bringing him back to Catalonia.