Manchester City Close in on Former Liverpool Goalkeeper as Claudio Bravo Exit Draws Nearer
Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, as the future of back-up stopper Claudio Bravo grows ever bleaker at the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens have already signed Benfica keeper Ederson Moraes for an eye-watering £34.7m, while Willy Caballero has joined on a free transfer Chelsea and Joe Hart is close to signing for West Ham.
According to reports from the Telegraph, Manchester City are prepared to up their initially rejected offer of £2.6m to £4.4m in their efforts to sign the Napoli number one. City are thought to be confident of reaching an agreement this week, and will seek to utilise the 33-year-old as a back-up keeper to their first-choice Ederson.
Reina made a name for himself in the Premier League with Liverpool, establishing himself as the trusted number one of the Reds during an impressive eight-season stint with the Merseyside club. Despite being in his prime at the same time as goalkeeping icon Iker Casillas, Reina has still managed to pick up 35 international caps for Spain.
Following a frustrating spell with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Reina made the switch to Serie A side Napoli. The former Barcelona youth player has excelled in Italy, becoming one of the most reliable keepers in the league. Manchester City would be making a shrewd signing in the capture of Reina, who is still a quality option in goal.
Napoli's goalkeeper from Spain Pepe Reina greets supporters at the end of the Italian Serie A football match Torino vs Napoli at the Olympic stadium in Turin, on May 14, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images)
MIGUEL MEDINA/GettyImages
Reina enjoyed a fine spell, despite some notable errors, in the Premier League during his heyday, picking up the Premier League Golden Glove award during his first three seasons with Liverpool.
The Reds have struggled to fill the void since his departure in 2013, with current options Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius failing to provide the reliable form needed to succeed at the highest level.
