The Liverpool goalkeeper says he is ready to welcome the Sunderland man to the club as the Belgian prepares to complete his move to Anfield

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina insists he is not afraid of competition from Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet for the No.1 spot at Anfield.

The 25-year-old Belgium international is on the verge of moving to the Reds in a deal worth around £9 million after an impressive campaign at the Stadium of Light last term.

However, the Spain international says he is planning to help the Belgian settle in at his new club as quickly as possible.

“It doesn’t change a bit,” the 30-year-old told reporters.

“I said it many times, I’m very comfortable and happy with Liverpool.

“Every team needs competition and when it’s positive, it’s very welcome. I’m going to welcome him – anything he needs I’m here.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers has moved to deny that Mignolet is being brought in to replace Reina, who has been linked with a move to boyhood club Barcelona.

“One of the things we’re trying to build is a competitive squad,” the Liverpool boss told talkSPORT. “Our squad was very thin last year and it was great we were able to introduce a few young players from our academy but it’s very important that we have competition in every position and that wasn’t always the case.

“Pepe Reina and I went out for a meal a couple of months before the end of the season and I told him exactly what we were going to do, which was to provide real competition in that area.

“He was fully aware of my intention over the course of the last few months. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to Pepe.

“Pepe is a fantastic goalkeeper but Simon Mignolet is a player that has done really well. He’s also part of an emerging Belgium squad that has come into a golden era. He’s very much a part of that.

“When you work with Pepe, he’s a great man. A very committed man to the club and he’s an outstanding goalkeeper.”