Thaindian News

London, June 18 (ANI): Barcelona is set to launch a 17 million pound bid for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.

The news comes after the European champions saw their contract talks with current number one Victor Valdes break down.

Valdes, who has a year left on his contract, has been pushing for parity with Xavi, who is paid 150,000 pounds a week.

Barcelona is confident they can lure back the Anfield stopper, who began his career at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has personally recommended Reina, whose father played for Barca, to his board after losing patience with Valdes.

Barcelona will sell Valdes now rather than give in to his demands or allow him to leave as a free agent next summer, The Sun reports.

Reina cost Liverpool six million pounds when Rafa Benitez signed him in 2005. But his value has rocketed after four impressive seasons at Liverpool, where he has become the fans’ favourite.

Reina, 26, spent the first two years of his career at Barcelona and played 30 games for the club before moving to Villarreal in 2002.

He still has strong ties with the club through his father, Miguel, who lives in the city. (ANI)