Liverpool v Portsmouth/Aston Villa v Manchester City:Liverpool have opened negotiations with Jose Reina over an extension to his contract in an attempt to ward off persistent interest in the Spanish goalkeeper from Rafael Benitez' former club Valencia.
Reina (24) still has well over two years to run on the deal he signed when he joined from Villarreal for £6 million in the summer of 2005, but Valencia have contacted his representatives about a potential move. The implication is they may try to sign him under the Bosman ruling when his Anfield contract expires, even though that is as far off as 2009.
Benitez is keen to tie his goalkeeper down until 2011 at least. Reina, who kept 29 clean sheets in his first season and has nine so far this term, is likely to see his salary increase, with Benitez encouraged by his return to form.
"I'm really pleased with Pepe and we're talking to him about extending his contract here," said the Liverpool manager. "He's got two more years after this season, which is enough. But we're looking to extend it because we know there were some clubs asking about him and we don't want to sell him. It's all very positive. He's getting back to his best, it's clear . . . he's one of the top three goalkeepers in England."
Liverpool will need him tonight as Benitez considers employing one of his trio of centre halves as an emergency central midfielder because Boudewijn Zenden will undergo surgery today on a tear to the lateral meniscus in a knee.
The Dutchman joins Mohamed Sissoko on the sidelines and, with Xabi Alonso rated doubtful, that leaves only Steven Gerrard available in central midfield. Jamie Carragher has featured for England as a defensive midfielder and Daniel Agger could be used in the role but Benitez' instinct is to go with Sami Hyypia in the position. "His was the first name that came into my head to replace Bolo," said Benitez.
Portsmouth's full backs Glen Johnson (thigh) and Dejan Stefanovic (knee) are out and Harry Redknapp must see if Matt Taylor (back) is fit enough to replace the Serbian before deciding whether to recall Andy Griffin from loan at Stoke. Striker Lomana LuaLua (ankle), and midfielder Sean Davis (groin) are major doubts.
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Stuart Taylor will make only his third appearance of the season for Aston Villa.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper will replace Thomas Sorensen, who will be out action for two to three weeks with the knee ligament damage suffered against Middlesbrough at the weekend.
Striker Milan Baros is also in strong contention to make a rare start after impressing as a substitute against Middlesbrough, especially with Chris Sutton still side-lined with his calf injury.
Stuart Pearce has admitted he would be interested in bringing Shaun Wright-Phillips back to City from Chelsea.
"If a price was set and Chelsea were prepared to sell him, just think what a big lift it would give everyone here for Shaun to walk back through the door," said Pearce.
