Newcastle United are reportedly keen on defender Martin Skrtel.
Newcastle United are interested in signing Fenerbahce defender Martin Skrtel this summer, according to Fotomac in Turkey.
Skrtel, now 32, worked with Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez at Liverpool, having been signed by the Spaniard in January 2008 from Zenit St. Petersburg.
Martin Skrtel with Rafa Benitez after signing for Liverpool
The Slovakian international, who has racked up 90 caps for his country, made 79 appearances under Benitez and played a prominent role at Anfield.
Now, Benitez may be lining up a reunion with Skrtel this summer, as he may need some experience at the back. Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark impressed last season, but with question marks over Chancel Mbemba and Grant Hanley, Skrtel could be an important signing – especially for Benitez’s happiness.
The Daily Mail reported last weekend that manager Benitez is considering his position as Magpies boss having missed out on transfer targets this summer, with only one deal over the line so far – and that was for loan winger Christian Atsu, meaning no new faces have been added since winning promotion.
One way for Newcastle to back their manager is to get a deal for Skrtel over the line, handing Benitez a player he knows and respects, whilst adding proven Premier League quality to the Newcastle side.
Martin Skrtel (L) and manager Rafael Benitez
Skrtel’s experience and leadership would be vital for Newcastle, and whilst he appears settled in Turkey right now, the Magpies should back their manager with a big move if Benitez really does want a reunion with the defender.
It has been a frustrating summer for Newcastle so far, and with Benitez allegedly growing restless, reuniting him with Skrtel could keep him happy having failed with a bid to sign him for Napoli in the summer of 2013, as reported by BBC Sport.
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