Villarreal are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper after the departure of veteran Pepe Reina was confirmed this week. The 41-year-old was playing behind Filip Jorgensen, but played all of their cup games.
Reina is not planning on retiring after two seasons back at Villarreal in a second spell, but is yet to find a new club. Meanwhile Relevo report that Marcelino Garcia Toral is keen on reuniting with former goalkeeper Ruben Blanco, who is at Olympique Marseille, the team Marcelino started the season with.
The 28-year-old made five appearances this season, backing up Pau Lopez, and while OM would expect a fee for Blanco, it would not be significant. The Yellow Submarine could promote 22-year-old Villarreal B goalkeeper Iker Alvarez, but Marcelino appears to be more keen on an experienced option.
There is also the factor that Jorgensen has attracted the interest of Premier League giants and Atletico Madrid this season, although no team has yet moved for him. Blanco came through the system at Celta Vigo as a highly rated teenager, but lost his place in 2021, before moving to Marseille in 2022 for €1.5m.
