Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina keen to replace Victor Valdes at Barcelona

Goalkeeper's father says Reina would jump at opportunity to return to former club

Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool could face a battle to retain the services of Pepe Reina after the goalkeeper's father revealed his son would be keen on a move to Barcelona.

The Catalans' current number one Victor Valdes revealed last week that he would not renew his contract, which expires in 2014, as he wishes to broaden his experiences.

Valdes' announcement means Barcelona are on the hunt for a replacement, with the Spanish side likely to sell their current stopper this coming summer instead of allowing him to leave for free a year later.

And it would seem Reina would be a willing replacement should he receive a call from the Nou Camp according to his father.

"I am absolutely convinced that Pepe would be more than delighted to return to his Barcelona, where they made him into an upstanding man from the time he arrived at the age of 12 until he left," Miguel Reina told radio station La Xerxa.

"I say it publicly, I would be delighted to see Pepe back at Barca, of course I would," added the former Barca and Atletico Madrid keeper.

"What father would not like to see his son at Barca? He has already been there but to return would be extraordinary."

Reina made his debut for Barcelona at the age of 18 and made a total of 30 appearances having come through the youth ranks, before leaving to join La Liga rivals Villarreal and eventually moving to Liverpool in 2005.

Liverpool will be in a strong position should Barcelona make a move, with Reina having signed a six-year contract in 2010.

"Pepe has shown sufficient proof of the calibre of goalkeeper he is and right now, and sorry for the lack of modesty, he would be up to the task and the ideal keeper for FC Barcelona without a shadow of a doubt," his father said.