Speaking ahead of the weekend clash with Fulham, the Northern Irishman has yet again denied reports that his Spanish star is set for a move away from the club

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has played down speculation linking Pepe Reina with a move away from Anfield, stating unequivocally that the Spaniard is essential to his future plans.

Reina has been in decent form again this season for Liverpool, despite a number of injuries, keeping 29 clean sheets in total and four in Liverpool’s last five league games.

However, with the club again failing to qualify for the Champions League, many have suggested the Spanish international may look for a move away from the club, with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid as possible suitors.

But manager Rodgers has sought to bring an end to this discussion, reiterating Reina’s fondness of the Kop and highlighting the fact that he is still contractually bound to the club.

“It’s that silly season now that starts up all the rumours and whatnot but Pepe’s not for sale,” Rodgers told journalists at the pre-Fulham press conference this Friday afternoon.

“He’s got three years left on his contract here, he’s happy and obviously there’s speculation but it’s not worth commenting on.”

Furthermore, in a recent fans’ Twitter Q+A, Reina revealed he would be happy to see out the rest of his career at Liverpool, saying: “it would be a nice bit of history to be here more than 12 or 13 years”.