Napoli boss Rafael Benitez rules out permanent move for Liverpool's Pepe Reina

Napoli manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that the club will not sign Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina on a permanent basis because they cannot afford his wages.

The Spain international spent last season on loan in Italy after Brendan Rodgers opted to bring Simon Mignolet into the number one role last summer.

While Reina was open to staying with the Serie A side, Benitez has revealed that the club cannot afford him.

When asked by talkSPORT if Reina will return to the Premier League, Benitez said: "Yes. Pepe has two years left on his contract at Liverpool. He has to go back and he'll stay there. We can't afford Pepe's wages.

"The Premier League is a very big league and, in Serie A, we don't pay big wages like in England. He will have to fight for his position at Liverpool."

Reina has been linked with a move to Liverpool's league rivals Arsenal.