Newcastle negotiations with Skrtel could push through Celtic transfer

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Newcastle are reportedly in talks to sign experienced defender Martin Skrtel, but could that help Celtic?

Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Fenerbahce defender Martin Skrtel after club official jetted out to Turkey in a bid to complete a move for the 33-year-old – and Celtic will be hoping the Toon finalise a deal.

Turkish outlet A Spor claim Rafa Benitez is keen to land the veteran centre-back, in a move that would form a reunion at St. James’ Park between the former Liverpool manager and the ex-Reds defender.

Newcastle already boast plenty of centre-backs available to Benitez, in captain Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Florian Lejeune and Chancel Mbemba, but the latter is expected to leave after a difficult 2017-18 campaign.

Indeed, signing Skrtel is only going to push the DR Congo further down the pecking order on Tyneside and he will surely be sold this summer if Newcastle sign the 97-time Slovakia international – or even if they do not.

Skrtel’s move to Tyneside then will surely accelerate Celtic’s pursuit of the 23-year-old powerhouse, with the Evening Chronicle claiming Brendan Rodgers is interested in luring the former Anderlecht defender north of the border.

Mbemba failed to make a single Premier League appearance for Newcastle in 2018, despite making nine before the turn of the year as he was used as a makeshift left-back.

Celtic desperately need additions at centre-back following the departure of Erik Sviatchenko. Doubts remain over the fitness of Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic, while January signing Marvin Compper has featured just once.

With the Hoops looking to embark on another Champions League campaign next season, Rodgers needs to bring in a centre-back that can be relied upon and has played at the top level.

Mbemba would be an excellent addition in Glasgow, and Newcastle’s potential signing of Skrtel will surely see Celtic stand a better chance of completing a deal – and indeed accelerate their pursuit of the 42-time international.