Liverpool are set to announce their most important signing for next season when it is confirmed that Jose Reina has put pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
The Spanish goalkeeper has apparently agreed to terms on a new deal that will keep him at Liverpool for a further five years, and he will sign the contract when he returns from international duty.
This will add a degree of security to the Liverpool back line that has been lacking this season. Reina could be followed by Javier Mascherano, who is considering signing a contact extension following Reina's deal.
Another Golden Gloves trophy is on the cards for Reina, the award given to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in a season. This would be the fourth in his Liverpool career, an achievement that is testament to his consistency and reliability both in terms of performance and fitness.
Reina has been one of the most consistent 'keepers in the league this season and has been by far and away the Reds' best player in 09-10. When other goalies have been floundering, Reina has been rock solid between the posts for Liverpool and has grown into one of the most important players at Anfield.
Some fans talk about the problems if Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard depart in the summer, but a similar-sized hole would be left in the squad if Liverpool lost their No. 25.
Of the other traditional top four clubs, Reina has easily been the most consistent and assured this season. In a year where Edwin Van der Sar has been injured, Ben Foster wayward, Petr Cech flapping, and Manuel Almunia short of confidence, Reina has flourished on a team that has been suffering.
Man United and Chelsea are in the market for new goalies after some lacklustre performances from their own, and with these two financial heavyweights in the market, any prices are bound to be driven up. Given Liverpool's monetary fragility, not having to compete with these two will come as welcome news for the fans.
For seasons, Liverpool have been built on defensive solidity, but this campaign has been a different story. But despite the chaos going on in front of him, Pepe has never lost focus or even had a poor game.
He has, quite simply, been exceptional, and the news of his new contract should be greeted with joy all around Anfield.
Jon Naylor is a senior writer for Bleacher Report, the open source sports network.
