Rodgers reaffirms Red faith in Reina

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers flatly rejected suggestions he is looking to sell keeper Jose Reina and placed his faith in the Spain international to regain his best form.

Reports claimed the Reds boss was planning a January move for Birmingham’s England goalkeeper Jack Butland or German prospect Ron-Robert Zieler to throw Reina’s future into doubt. But Rodgers denied that was the case and, breaking with policy and not commenting on speculation, stressed keeper was not a position he plans strengthening next month.

“I don’t like to talk about speculation as I’ve known in my time at Liverpool the names we have been linked with has been incredible,” he said. “But what is worth putting on record is that I’m not looking for another goalkeeper.”

Reina is expected to start in tonight’s crucial final Europa League Group A match against already-eliminated Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. Defeat would see them fail to make the last 32 but providing they at least match Young Boys’ display at home to Anzhi Makhachkala, who have already qualified — would see them through.

“It is very important for us. It is a competition we all want to do well in and we’ve never felt at any moment that we want to be out of it,” said Rodgers.