Newcastle United officials will jet out to Turkey this week for talks with Fenerbahce over a deal for veteran defender Martin Skrtel, according to Aspor.
The Turkish outlet report that the Super Lig side are keen to offload Skrtel this summer due to his high wages, with the Slovakia international reported by Fotomac to be earning around £3.4million-a-year, or around £65,000-a-week.
Asport claim that Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is keen on bringing in Skrtel this summer, and talks with Fenerbahce this week will determine how likely that is to happen.
Benitez was manager at Liverpool when the Reds signed Skrtel in 2008.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Absolutely.
Skrtel is a wily veteran defender with years of Premier League experience at Liverpool, and he would be a brilliant addition to the squad this summer.
The Magpies will need all the know-how they can get if they want to climb the table and challenge for Europe next season, and that is exactly what Skrtel will bring.
The Slovakian would act as a brilliant back up for Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune, and his arrival would give the squad an instant lift if it does happen.
The only issue here may be wages, with Skrtel’s £65,000-a-week packet representing a hefty sum for someone of his age, but Newcastle will hopefully be able to work out a deal.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like Fenerbahce are desperate to get rid of Skrtel this summer, with his high wages burning a hole in their pockets.
That could facilitate an easy exit for the 33-year-old, with the Turkish club likely to be flexible in terms of transfer fee.
That will definitely play into Newcastle’s hands as they look to secure a deal this week, and we will surely know more in a few days time.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 3/10
