Liverpool 'close' to signing Sunderland's Simon Mignolet casting Pepe Reina's future into doubt

Liverpool could complete the £10m deal this week which could see Reina leave the club, while Luis Suarez continues to push for an exit of his own

Simon Mignolet could be about to move to Liverpool with deal thought to be 'close' to complete (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool are believed to be closing in of the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, plunging the future of Pepe Reina at Anfield into serious doubt.

A deal for the Belgian international could go through as early as this week, with a fee believed to be in the £10 million region. Should he make the trip south to Liverpool, the likelihood that either Mignolet or Reina would be comfortable sitting on the bench is hugely unlikely, with recent reports linking Reina with a move back to Spain.

Barcelona were considered to be interested in his services with the seemingly impending departure of current goalkeeper Victor Valdes, but Valdes has recent announced that he will complete his final year on his contract with the La Liga champions before leaving after next season.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre was due to fly out to Brazil for a conference on Monday, but he has postponed his trip to attend to urgent club business, believed to be the completion of the deal to bring the 24-year-old shot stopper to the club.

The Reds are also hopeful in bringing Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Merseyside for £20m from Shaktar Donetsk, while current striker Luis Suarez continues to push for a way out of the club.

Suarez, who is on Confederations Cup duty with Uruguay, said: “I think every player aspires to be at the top and if you ask any eight-year-old child they will tell you that one day they would want to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona. They are big team and everyone wants to go there.

“Firstly, I have a contract with the club. But if one day they wanted to sign me, Liverpool would listen to the offer, as they have with other players.

“Then the teams would have to come to an agreement, although, the word of the player is important too.”

Suarez’ words were published in Spanish sports newspaper Marca, which will be a further annoyance to Liverpool as they attempt to hold onto their prized-asset while strengthening their squad in the quest to return to the Champions League.