Roy Hodgson won't sell Pepe Reina to Manchester United
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has moved to warn Manchester United off highly-rated goalkeeper Pepe Reina, following apparent interest from their north-west rivals.
Hodgson told the
Liverpool Echo: "If (Sir Alex) Ferguson is looking around and has lots of money, he might want Pepe Reina because he is the best around. But we do not want to sell him. He is the lifeblood of this team."
Rumours have been circulating regarding the future of Liverpool’s star names following the club’s dismal start to the campaign. But Hodgson is adamant Reina will
not be leaving, despite Fergie’s interest in the Spaniard as a replacement fro 39-year-old goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. But Reina signed a new six-year deal in April of this year, and Hodgson insists any interest in his ‘keeper is unwelcome.
"It was just one of those stories that seems to occur - it's just disappointing and annoying. Pepe is fantastic here,” stated the former Fulham boss.
Hodgson went on to state just how highly-regarded his star goalkeeper was at the club, and that his presence is felt not just on the pitch. "Everything he does
around the club is excellent - he is always lively in the dressing room, he is always first class in training and he always wants to do more to improve. He demands better from those around him, he is always pushing people on. He is a player who we hold in
the highest esteem," explained Hodgson.
With Reina being such a fans’ favourite on Merseyside, losing him to their bitter rivals would be an almost unbearable blow. Hodgson’s words will be a relief to
Reds fans everywhere, but Liverpool will be in genuine danger of losing the likes of their Spanish stopper if their league position doesn’t dramatically improve.
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