Former Liverpool star close to agreeing free transfer to Milan

London, March 2: Napoli and Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina has reportedly agreed to a stunning free transfer to Serie A rivals AC Milan.

Italian media claims the veteran Spanish keeper will move north on a two-year deal this summer.

The former Liverpool custodian will be given the chance to challenge Gianluigi Donnarumma for the No 1 jersey at the San Siro.

This move comes as a huge blow to Newcastle United, who were apparently in for Reina’s signature.

The 35-year-old remains close to Rafa Benitez after their time together at Liverpool and Napoli but has reportedly snubbed interest from the manager.

And it was believed the Toon boss was hoping to convince Reina to return to England for a second Premier League spell, despite the success of January arrival Martin Dubravka.

It seems the 35-year-old is content to remain in Italy for a fourth and fifth consecutive season after spending the last three years in Naples.

Reina did spend a previous term on loan at Napoli, but returned to them on a permanent deal after an underwhelming campaign at Bayern Munich.

However, he faces a tough ask to become Milan’s new first choice following the rise of young Italy international Donnarumma.

He’s already regarded as one of Europe’s best despite being just 19-years-old, but has been strongly linked with a summer switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

There are strong rumours that the teenage sensation could be sold by Milan this summer to raise funds to strengthen in other areas and that could be very much the case if Reina joins the Rossoneri.

He still has a few years left in his locker and Milan do need to bolster in other departments and cashing in Donnarumma could be just a matter of time now.