Reina nears Napoli return

Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Pepe Reina is expected in Italy on Tuesday for talks and a medical ahead of a move to Napoli.

Reina has been made surplus to requirements by Bayern, who have already signed Sven Ullrich from Stuttgart as his replacement.

The 32-year-old Spanish international spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Napoli from Liverpool where he won the Coppa Italia under current Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez.

Reina is under contract with Bayern for two more seasons but is keen to leave in search of regular football after making just three appearances as a back-up for German number one Manuel Neuer.

"It has been a difficult year," Reina told the Italian press. "More so than I thought it would be.

"I really expected to play more. In any case I've learned a lot from [Bayern Munich coach Pep] Guardiola and Neuer.

"I have a contract with Bayern but I want to play more next season. Naples is a wonderful place to live because it's very similar to the south of Spain. I was very happy there."

Napoli are keen to bring Reina in to compete with their current goalkeepers Rafael and Mariano Andujar after a disappointing season that saw them finish fifth in Serie A and miss out on Champions League football.