Che set sights on Reina

Valencia are reported to have set their sights on luring Pepe Reina away from Liverpool and back to La Liga for next season.

Although current Valencia number one Santiago Canizares has just agreed a new two-year deal, the Che are keen to secure a long-term replacement for the 36-year-old.

They already have promising French youngster Ludovic Butelle (23) on their books, but would prefer to sign a more experienced performer to compete alongside Canizares.

Valencia director of sport Amadeo Carboni is the man who has identified Reina as the club's preferred option and he is understood to have contacted the player's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon to sound him out about a possible move.

Garcia Quilon, who also represents Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, has a good relationship with Valencia having negotiated many deals for them in the past.

However, any move for Reina is likely to prove difficult with the 24-year-old firmly ensconced as Liverpool's number one and a favourite of Benitez who paid Villarreal £6 million to secure his services in the summer of 2005.

The keeper is under contract at Anfield until 2009 and Benitez is ready to offer him an extended deal to keep him on Merseyside.

However, sources in Spain insist Reina would consider a switch back to Spain and the city of Valencia where he truly made his name with Villarreal.