Aston Villa should re-sign Pepe Reina on a permanent deal for next season and beyond.

That is according to former England keeper Paul Robinson.

The pundit believes that Reina has shown during his short loan spell that he still has what it takes.

He came from AC Milan in January after Tom Heaton was injured for the season.

And Italian reports indicate he is likely to go back to Milan for next season

But the 37-year-old has done so well that Robinson hopes he sticks around at Villa instead.

"I think it would be a great signing if he is happy to be number two there," he told Football Insider.

"If he wants to come back to England and that is where he wants to live, definitely.

"I was Tom Heaton's number two at Burnley and Tom thrives off having an experienced, older head around. Knowing he is number one having a top-quality goalkeeper with Premier League experience and a younger mentor there who he can bounce things off and become friends with. That was my role at Burnley.

"When Tom is fit he comes back in because before his injury he was outstanding this season. He saved Villa a lot of points and I think they have missed him but I do think Reina is an excellent signing as number two. Certainly, if they stay up.

"You have got to have a number one and a number on stroke two now. That would be a good combination for Villa."