Napoli to transform Reina's loan spell into permanent move

Published May. 6, 2014 6:52 a.m. ET

foxsports

Napoli have confirmed that they hope to turn Pepe Reina's loan move into a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Reina has spent the campaign on loan in Naples and has performed well for Rafa Benitez's side.

Reina is due to return to Liverpool this summer as he still has two years left on his deal at Anfield.

However, with Simon Mignolet already entrenched as his number one it is clear Brendan Rodgers does not see a future for Reina at the club.

And a permanent move looks more and more likely now Napoli have confirmed their intention to make a bid.

Sports director Riccardo Bigon told +N tv: "Reina is a very important player both on the field and off.

"At the end of the season we will talk with him and Liverpool, we are interested to hold him here.

"He has been fine in Naples, he has a very close relationship with the coach (Rafa Benitez) and also his family has settled very well."

Meanwhile, Bigon denied the club has secured a deal for Genk defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

"Koulibaly? I deny the news that he made today (about a) medical for Napoli, but he is still a player we are following."