Pepe Reina poised for Napoli loan

Liverpool goalkeeper surplus to requirements after arrival of Simon Mignolet

Pepe Reina of Liverpool is set to join Napoli on loan. Photograph: Getty Images
Pepe Reina of Liverpool is set to join Napoli on loan. Photograph: Getty Images

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is on the verge of a season-long loan deal with Napoli.

The move would see the Spain international link up with former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez and his old Reds goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.

Reina is expected to head for Italy in the next 24 hours to undergo a medical and complete his switch to last season's Serie A runners-up.

Liverpool recently signed Belgian stopper Simon Mignolet, which could spell the end of Reina's eight seasons on Merseyside.

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Meanwhile, Reds skipper Steven Gerrard made his return to action against an Indonesian XI in Jakarta this afternoon, following a recent operation on his shoulder.

The captain, who signed a new contract last week, led the side out in front of over 80,000 fans as the Reds registered an unconvincing 2-0 win, in which Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling scored in each half.