Brendan Rodgers expects José Reina to remain with Liverpool next season having insisted the goalkeeper has not been distracted by doubts over his Anfield future.

Arsenal are among several clubs interested in the Spaniard, who has recovered from a rare dip in form last year to settle into Rodgers's style of play. At 30, and as one of the highest earners at Liverpool, Reina does not meet the player profile that the club have pursued since a change of manager last summer but Rodgers is adamant the keeper has a key, long-term role at Anfield.

The Liverpool manager said: "He's never been unsettled and our relationship is very strong. I have given him and a few of the senior boys real responsibility and I think they have enjoyed that. I see him as someone who is going to be here [next season]. He is 30 years of age and is someone who looks after his body. The sports science team this year have worked really well with him. I think he's been outstanding and had great focus and hopefully that will continue for us."

Barcelona, one of Reina's former clubs, have also been linked with the player but Rodgers believes there is no substance to a transfer that Reina's father, Miguel, has claimed could materialise one day.

Rodgers said: "Pepe and I speak a lot. He's a good man and I've got real respect for him as a player and as a human being. He understands everything we are trying to do here and is a great voice in the little debriefing meetings we have with the group and with the defenders and other goalkeepers. He's brilliant. And on a personal level we'll sit and have a cup of tea in the office and we'll chat about where he's at with his game and how he can improve.

"I think a lot of the stuff this year has been based on speculation with [Victor] Valdés going, or possibly going, there have been links they [Barcelona] will be in for another keeper. His dad has said some things and whatever."