Pepe Reina
Reina unsure of long-term future.

Pepe Reina insists his future in Serie A is not dependent on Napoli's success this season as he prepares himself for a possible return to Liverpool this summer.

The 31-year-old was allowed to leave Liverpool last summer after Brendan Rodgers brought Simon Mignolet to Anfield in a move that seemed to signal the end of the Spaniard's eight year spell on Merseyside.

There is no official deal in place that would see Reina join Rafa Benitez's side on a permanent basis this summer although the Spaniard recently spoke of his desire to remain in Naples having settled in the city over the past year.

But Reina is unsure where his long term future lies.

"I need to go back to Liverpool at the end of my loan and I will make my decision there," Reina was quoted as saying by Football Italia, speaking ahead of his side's Europa League second leg clash with Swansea City.

"My future does not depend on our results this season. We are having a good season, it's a shame we have lost a few too many points at the San Paolo.

"Juventus' season is overshadowing everyone a little bit. We hold the Europa League in a high regard and we have a Coppa Italia final to play. We must also qualify for the Champions League."

Napoli welcome Garry Monk's side to Naples having been held to a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium last week. An excellent rearguard display from the Swans ensured Benitez's side endured a frustrating evening in south Wales but the Napoli boss is hoping a change in tempo will be enough to secure progression to the next round.

"Rhythm and speed will be the keys to winning tomorrow," he commented. "We must also play with lots of intensity because we have seen that the away leg was played at a very high tempo.

"I don't think possession is all important tomorrow. It will be more important for us to combine our defensive and attacking phases of play well, so that we are well balanced.

"We must be able to create chances to score without risking being hit on the counter-attack."

Liverpool FC Brendan Rodgers