Reina to Barcelona Talk Cooled by Liverpool

It seemed as though the Reina to Barca rumors had died down to the point that they were non-existent--a few weeks back the goalkeeper underlined his intent to stay with the club through the remainder of his contract and possibly beyond, which seemed more definitive than earlier statements had been regarding whether or not his immediate playing future would take place on Merseyside.

As Trev noted earlier in the day, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague cast doubt on that assumption when he suggested that Reina's assertions weren't entirely accurate:

Pepe Reina waiting for the Barcelona call sulia.com/my_thoughts/1b…

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) May 8, 2013

What follows after the link to Sulia is recycled discussion of the same rumors from earlier in the season--former Barca product, Valdes wants out, self-loathing that I actually clicked on a Sulia link, etc. etc. No telling how accurate or inaccurate Balague's information is at this point, though he has had a fairly decent record (I think) when it comes to matters surrounding players and managers associated with Spain.

In response, according to the Echo, Liverpool have denied there's any sort of movement in any direction, as the club "insist they have received no approach from Barcelona for goalkeeper Pepe Reina." If the player's words recently were all above board, though, it shouldn't necessarily matter whether or not Barcelona--or any club for that matter--make an approach for a transfer.

Ahead of a summer that'll promise the requisite grimacing and frustration, it seems as though one of the major storylines will continue to be an exit for Pepe Reina and the search for the man to replace him moving forward.