Following Simon Mignolet’s arrival from Sunderland, the club captain believes a rivalry with current No.1 Pepe Reina will only serve as a positive for the Reds next season

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the arrival of Simon Mignolet will provide important competition to current first-choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The 25-year-old sealed a switch from Sunderland on Tuesday, prompting further speculation that his Spanish rival is heading for the Anfield exit.

Reina has been linked with a move to former club Barcelona following Victor Valdes hinting at a Camp Nou departure, and admitted he is open to a move to a “bigger club”, but Gerrard is sure the Liverpool No.1 will stay and compete with Mignolet.

“I think who becomes the Liverpool No.1 is going to be Brendan Rodgers’ decision,” Gerrard told Sky Sports.

“I think he has gone on the record and said he wants to keep Pepe Reina, who is a world-class goalie – and Mignolet had a fantastic season as well so competition for places is going to be really healthy.

“It is going to be an interesting one, we are going to have to keep our eye on it.

“I know Pepe won’t give up the No.1 without a fight. I have experienced him in top, top form and I think on his day he’s in the top five keepers in the world so it’s going to be an interesting one to keep the eye on.”

Mignolet is Liverpool’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Kolo Toure, while Goal exclusively revealed the club have made a move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Premier League big hitters have made enquiries for the Belgian striker, who has yet to agree a new contract with Aston Villa after a terrific first season in England

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey

Liverpool and Tottenham have made enquiries for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, Goal understands.

The Premier League big hitters are both prepared to offer the Belgium international a bumper rise on his current €24,000-a-week terms this summer as well as a major playing role.

Liverpool are believed to have registered their interest in Benteke as they prepare for the possible departure of Luis Suarez, with Real Madrid leading the chase for the Merseysiders’ prize asset.

As reported by Goal, Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers has been assured that he will be given a large portion of the €47 million-plus Suarez fee to buy a proven centre-forward if the Uruguayan is successful in engineering a move this summer.

Spurs have also targeted Benteke as they prepare to reinforce a front line that was found wanting last season. The Londoners have currently dropped their interest in No.1 target Leandro Damiao and turned their attention to high-calibre alternatives.

Benteke had an outstanding debut campaign in England after signing for Villa last year in an €10 million deal, scoring 19 top-flight goals to help maintain the club’s Premier League status.

The 22-year-old has three years remaining on the contract he signed 12 months ago but there is a growing acceptance among the Villa hierarchy that they are vulnerable if the powerhouse forward pushes for a move.

Villa manager Paul Lambert revealed recently that Benteke has been offered an improved contract but his future remains in doubt while it remains unsigned. Borussia Dortmund are also closely monitoring developments.

Speaking during the international break at the end of last month, Benteke admitted he may demand a transfer this summer. “If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won’t necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn’t get the most out of my career.”

Asked about the possibility of joining Arsenal, who had been linked with a move for him, the striker said: “If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I’m convinced we can reach a compromise where everyone comes out a winner.”

It is understood that Benteke would be attracted to a move to Anfield but he might have to bide his time as the Suarez saga could drag on all summer.

Spurs are looking at other striker alternatives, including Barcelona’s David Villa, Saint-Etienne’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Roma’s Pablo Osvaldo and Porto’s Jackson Martinez.

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Six weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery, the Liverpool midfielder is on course to return to fitness in time for the club’s pre-season training next month

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists he is recovering well from shoulder surgery and should be back in action in time for pre-season training.

The 33-year-old featured in every minute of the Reds’ Premier League season up until the 36th game, when he ended the campaign early in order to undergo surgery on a long-standing injury.

Six weeks later, the England international is now almost ready to return to training, and admits he cannot wait to get back in action.

“It’s going well and feeling strong,” the midfielder told the club’s official website.

“I’m six weeks down the line with the rehabilitation from surgery.

“I’m not too far away, maybe a couple of weeks away from contact and being back in full training if everything goes well. I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s probably the longest break I’ve had at this time of year – being out of the game for six weeks is enough, I’m itching to get back.”

Gerrard enjoyed his best season in four years last term, scoring 10 goals in 36 Premier League games.