Thursday, 28th March, 2013

Three clubs have already decided to make a move for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel in the summer.

The powerful Slovakia international is wanted by Russian giants Anzhi Makhachkala and Zenit St. Petersburg, while Arsenal are expected to try to convince him to remain in England, according to Russian daily Izvestia.

 


Skrtel has slipped down the defensive pecking order at Liverpool in recent months, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers even preferring to field the retiring Jamie Carragher ahead of the Slovak.

The Reds are also expected to move to bring in up to two new defenders in the summer, further increasing the competition for places.

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And Skrtel could call time on his stay at Anfield.

He will have options, with heading back to Russia, where he previously turned out for Zenit St. Petersburg, and a country in which his stock is still sky high, firmly an available escape route.

Or remaining in England with Arsenal could be the Slovak's preferred switch, especially if the Gunners qualify for next season's Champions League, something Liverpool are unlikely to do.

Skrtel's agent however will not be drawn on his client's future just yet.

"He has not played a certain amount of games and this must be addressed with the Liverpool coach", explained Karol Ksonto.

"I think the situation will be clarified at the end of the season.

"As for the interest from other clubs, this is normal for a player of Skrtel's quality. I can only add that no formal proposals have been reported to us."

Skrtel joined Liverpool in January 2008.

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