Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez has held “positive talks” with Javier Mascherano about a new contract.

The Argentina midfielder is wanted by Barcelona but the Liverpool manager is determined to keep him at Anfield.

Benitez said: “We were talking with him and his agent a month ago about our idea and his idea.

“He’s doing really well and has come back to his best. We were really pleased to talk to him to make progress.

“We have plenty of time but we are happy with him and he is happier now too.

“He has two more years on his contract, we were talking before and we will sit down sooner rather than later and talk about the future. The last conversations that we had were very positive.”

Benitez is also hoping to tie up a new contract for Reina over the coming months.

“Pepe has been improving every single year and he will improve more because goalkeepers have more time in their career,” he added.

“He’s always positive and he’s one of the best in the training sessions because his attitude is always good.

“It depends on the agent and what the player wants but Pepe is very happy here in Liverpool so I don’t see a big problem. The team-mates love him because he’s a very good example.”