Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident Jose Reina will still be at the club next season.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper moved to Anfield in July 2005 and has been a constant through the many managerial changes and subsequent squad upheaval.

Persistent rumours have linked Reina with a move away from Merseyside this summer but Rodgers has seen no signs that the Spaniard is headed for the exit door.

The Reds boss adsmitted: “He’s never been unsettled and our relationship is very strong. I have given him and a few of the senior boys real responsibility and I think they have enjoyed that.

“I see him as someone who is going to be here. He is 30 years of age and is someone who looks after his body. The sports science team this year have worked really well with him.

“I think he’s been outstanding and had great focus and hopefully that will continue for us.”

Arsenal and Barcelona have been mooted as likely destinations for Reina, whose father, Miguel, said earlier this year that his son would like to return to Barca, where he began his career.

Rodgers said: “I think a lot of the stuff this year has been based on speculation with (Victor) Valdes going, or possibly going, there have been links they (Barcelona) will be in for another keeper. His dad has said some things and whatever.

“Pepe and I speak a lot. He’s a good man and I’ve got real respect for him as a player and as a human being.

“He understands everything we are trying to do here and is a great voice in the little debriefing meetings we have with the group and with the defenders and other goalkeepers. He’s brilliant.”