Reina would be the perfect replacement for Valdes, claims Xavi

Barcelona talisman Xavi believes Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina would be an excellent replacement for the outgoing Victor Valdes next summer.

The Barca number one has already announced that he plans to leave the Nou Camp when his contract expires in June.

And Reina, along with Borussia Monchengladbach youngster Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, has been heavily tipped to replace Valdes at the end of the season.

Brendan Rodgers’ decision to splash out £9m on Simon Mignolet in the summer and subsequently loan Reina to Napoli has prompted suggestions the Spaniard has no long-term future at Anfield.

And Xavi believes Reina, 31, would be welcomed back at the club he left in 2002.

He told El Mundo Deportivo: "Reina as the replacement [for Valdes]? He has a great level.

"I am not doing the work in the transfer market, but beyond our friendship I can say he is an extraordinary goalkeeper who would fit in very well here because he knows the club.

"It does not depend on me but I would love it very much."