Following Simon Mignolet’s arrival from Sunderland, the club captain believes a rivalry with current No.1 Pepe Reina will only serve as a positive for the Reds next season

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the arrival of Simon Mignolet will provide important competition to current first-choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The 25-year-old sealed a switch from Sunderland on Tuesday, prompting further speculation that his Spanish rival is heading for the Anfield exit.

Reina has been linked with a move to former club Barcelona following Victor Valdes hinting at a Camp Nou departure, and admitted he is open to a move to a “bigger club”, but Gerrard is sure the Liverpool No.1 will stay and compete with Mignolet.

“I think who becomes the Liverpool No.1 is going to be Brendan Rodgers’ decision,” Gerrard told Sky Sports.

“I think he has gone on the record and said he wants to keep Pepe Reina, who is a world-class goalie – and Mignolet had a fantastic season as well so competition for places is going to be really healthy.

“It is going to be an interesting one, we are going to have to keep our eye on it.

“I know Pepe won’t give up the No.1 without a fight. I have experienced him in top, top form and I think on his day he’s in the top five keepers in the world so it’s going to be an interesting one to keep the eye on.”

Mignolet is Liverpool’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Kolo Toure, while Goal exclusively revealed the club have made a move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.