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Turkish manager doubts Martin Skrtel to Rangers

Martin Skrtel of Fenerbahce and the rest of his team applaud supporters during the UEFA Europa League Group A match between Fenerbahce SK and Manch...
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Martin Skrtel is linked with Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers.

Martin Skrtel of Fenerbahce and the rest of his team applaud supporters during the UEFA Europa League Group A match between Fenerbahce SK and Manchester United FC at Sukru Saracoglu...

Fenerbahce coach Aykut Kocaman has ruled out the prospect of his “brave warrior” Martin Skrtel joining former team-mate Steven Gerrard at Rangers this summer.

The Daily Record reported this week that the former Liverpool centre-back was being targeted by Gerrard, who was appointed Rangers manager on a four-year deal on Friday.

Skrtel, who has 97 caps for Slovakia, would represent a major upgrade on the Gers’ centre-half options at the moment.

But his manager, Kocaman, has rubbished suggestions that he could move to Ibrox this summer.

Steven Gerrard (L) of Liverpool is consoled by Martin Skrtel of Liverpool after missing his penalty during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers at...

“Martin Skrtel is an important part of the team. He won’t be going anywhere this summer. Why would he? He is happy here,” the 53-year-old, who made 15 appearances for Turkey, told Fanatik.

“He is a brave warrior. Last week against Kasimpasa, he received the worst wound I have ever seen in my football career. His head was burst open.”

With David Bates leaving, that leaves Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardoso and Ross McCrorie – who can also play defensive midfield – as Gerrard’s options in central defence and obviously he will need additional firepower – but it looks like he already knows.

The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that in addition to a “marquee striker”, the 37-year-old is also after two “dominant centre-halves” but time will tell whether Skrtel can be one of the two.