Rafa confirms Reina interest
by Peter ORourke - created on 12 Jun 2005
Liverpool manager Rafa has confirmed that he is keen on signing Jose Reina from Villarreal.
Reina has been linked with Liverpool for some time with the Spaniard claiming he was close to making a move to Anfield.
Benitez knows all about Reina from his time in Spain and is big admirer of the keeper.
Benitez is keen to bolster his goalkeeping options with Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson failing to hold down the number one shirt at Anfield and unlucky injury victim Chris Kirkland seemingly on his way to West Brom on loan.
The former Valencia coach has now admitted for the first time that Reina could become his first signing of the summer.
"There are various keepers we have been following," Benitez told Efe.
"Reina is one of them. We're near but it's still to be confirmed."
Reina has admitted the opportunity to join Liverpool is too good to turn down.
"To transfer to the champions of Europe, and furthermore to a team with Liverpool's history, isn't something in everybody's reach," said Reina.
"My answer was clear and it could only be a positive one."