Pepe Reina's father, Miguel, has revealed that his son had a deal in place to join Barcelona this summer before the deal fell through.
The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to his former club after their long-time number one Víctor Valdés announced he would not extend his contract with the Spanish champions.
AS Monaco seemed best-placed to sign Valdés, but the goalkeeper eventually chose to stay with Barcelona for the final season of his deal.
"A few months ago Pepe was in negotiations with Barça," Miguel Reina told Minuto 116.
"He came to an agreement with the club and had planned to leave.
"But in the end Víctor Valdés did not leave. That's why the transfer fell through."
Valdés' decision to remain with the Catalan giants left Reina without a club as Liverpool had already signed Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet as his replacement.
The 31-year-old subsequently linked up with former Anfield boss Rafa Benítez on a season-long loan at Napoli.
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| Pepe Reina began his career at Barcelona and made 49 appearances for the club Photo: Getty Images |
The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to his former club after their long-time number one Víctor Valdés announced he would not extend his contract with the Spanish champions.
AS Monaco seemed best-placed to sign Valdés, but the goalkeeper eventually chose to stay with Barcelona for the final season of his deal.
"A few months ago Pepe was in negotiations with Barça," Miguel Reina told Minuto 116.
"He came to an agreement with the club and had planned to leave.
"But in the end Víctor Valdés did not leave. That's why the transfer fell through."
Valdés' decision to remain with the Catalan giants left Reina without a club as Liverpool had already signed Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet as his replacement.
The 31-year-old subsequently linked up with former Anfield boss Rafa Benítez on a season-long loan at Napoli.
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