Hodgson warns United to forget about buying Reina

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has warned Sir Alex Ferguson to forget about luring Spanish goalkeeper Jose Reina to Manchester United.

Ferguson was linked with a surprise move for Reds star Reina as the United boss looks for a long-term replacement for his veteran keeper Edwin Van der Sar.

It has been reported that Reina and other Liverpool stars like Fernando Torres may consider leaving Anfield due to the club’s recent financial problems and current poor form under Hodgson.

Liverpool are currently languishing in the Premier League relegation zone, but Reina only signed a six-year contract in April and Hodgson has no intention of letting the 28-year-old leave.

Hodgson told the Liverpool Echo: “It was just one of those stories that seems to occur – it’s just disappointing and annoying.

“Pepe is fantastic here, he is a lifeblood of this team. Everything he does around the club is excellent – he is always lively in the dressing room, he is always first class in training and he always wants to do more to improve.

“He demands better from those around him, he is always pushing people on. He is a player who we hold in the highest esteem.

“We have heard nothing from Manchester United and, more to the point, we don’t want to hear anything from Manchester United.

“If (Sir Alex) Ferguson is looking around at the end of the season and he has got lots of money to replace (Edwin) van der Sar, he might very well want Pepe Reina because he is the best around.

“But we do not want to sell him. I would like to think that we are going to become a successful club once again and Pepe is crucial to that.”