LIVERPOOL goalkeeper Pepe Reina claims the “chaos” regarding the ownership of the club is distracting for the players and has called for a swift resolution of the issue.

Since Roy Hodgson’s side slipped into the relegation zone with a 2-1 home defeat to Blackpool eight days ago, it has emerged that current co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett tried to block an Anfield takeover bid fronted by Boston Red Sox owner John W. Henry.

Liverpool resume action this Sunday when they travel to neighbours Everton for a crucial Merseyside derby with their hosts just above them in the table on goal difference and Reina has called for the off-the-field uncertainties to be sorted.

He said: “The only thing we can do is play football and the things that are going on around the club, the ownership situation and all that, is out of our hands.

“It’s still too soon to talk about the takeover because there is still some chaos down there.

“I am worried. I am worried because of the situation of the club but I am optimistic and I think we are going to bounce back and be at our best in a few months. At least that’s what I hope.”

Despite his concerns, Reina believes that the situation will not end up with Liverpool entering administration and picking up a nine-point deduction like Portsmouth did last season.

He said: “It would be a tough setback and a very difficult situation but I am optimistic that everything will be sorted out before that.