The Daily Record reports that Rangers are upping their efforts to sign Martin Skrtel.
The club has been linked with the 34-year-old centre-back for some time, but Fotospor claimed he had turned down the chance to move to Ibrox last month. It was thought then that he would eventually sign a contract extension at Fenerbahce.
However, there was no breakthrough in talks with the Turkish outfit and he is now a free agent.
Consequently, the Record reports that Rangers have returned to the table. It’s said that positive initial discussions have taken place between Gerrard and his former Liverpool teammate.
‘Over the next few days’, he is due in Glasgow for more detailed face-to-face discussions. That may come after the first team squad has returned from Portugal.
A source in Skrtel’s native Slovakia is also said to have told the Record: “There have been some new conversations and we will see in the next few days if this deal can happen.”
Verdict
Previously it was thought Skrtel’s massive wage demands of around £60k-a-week were the major stumbling block to any potential move.
However, for talks to begin, he must be open to the idea of a pay-cut to work under Stevie G.
The 103-cap Slovakian international is a vastly experienced operator who played for Zenit before his stint at Liverpool and Fener. While he only won the League Cup during his time at Anfield, he racked up over 200 league appearances and clinched the club’s Player of the Year award in 2012.
Despite the recent signing of George Edmundson, the Gers are still light in terms of defensive resources. One more addition is needed and as long as they don’t offer Skrtel silly wages, he could be the answer.
The veteran is a proven performer and although no spring chicken, hopefully not over the hill just yet.
