The Sunderland stopper to have medical next week.
The ongoing deal to take Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to Liverpool has taken a step forward with a medical for the Belgian due next week, reports the Independent.
Negotiations between the Reds and the Black Cats have now reached the stage where personal terms can be discussed and the likely move casts further doubt over Jose Reina’s future on Merseyside.
Although the Spaniard has declared his loyalty to Brendan Rodgers’ side on several occasions, it is difficult to see how both ‘keepers can be kept happy at the club with the two used to regular first-team football currently.
Reina has been linked with a switch to Barcelona with their long-term No.1 Victor Valdes unlikely to be at the club much longer as AS Monaco keep tabs.
Therefore the 30-year-old is thought of as the ideal replacement for Valdes at the Nou Camp with the Catalan ‘keeper having question marks over his ability his entire career.
Sunderland also seem resigned to losing one of their most influential players as Mignolet was always likely to be tempted by a switch from a relegation candidate to European challengers.
Manager Paolo Di Canio is set to promote from within when the Belgium international does make his move, with highly rated youngster Kieran Westwood to be handed the No.1 jersey.
At Liverpool meanwhile Rodgers has kept quiet on whether Mignolet will be competing with Reina or replacing him, although the Northern Irishman will have a difficult task on his hands if he is hoping to keep them both happy for a prolonged period of time.
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