Though Daniel Agger's future remains uncertain with only three weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, fellow centre back and player of the season Martin Skrtel appears set to put pen to paper on a new deal that will secure his Anfield future according to The Times' Tony Barrett. With Liverpool's defense proving to be one of the few bright spots throughout a difficult 2011-12 campaign, keeping it intact for the coming year was as important a goal for manager Brendan Rodgers as any new signing, and that Skrtel's future appears decided means the club have gone a long way towards achieving that.
The continuing, persistent rumours about Manchester City interest in Agger and suggestions Liverpool's owners may be willing to sell for the right price remain highly troubling, but tying down one half of the defensive partnership that was second best in the league when they played together last season can at least be seen as a massive step in the right direction for most fans.
Few details of the reported deal are available as yet aside from that the contract on offer would tie down Skrtel for the next four years and that it appears highly likely the Slovak defender will sign before the season begins with a trip to the Hawthornes to face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Before then, however, both Agger and Skrtel are expected to start for their respective national sides when Denmark take on Slovakia on Wednesday from Parken Stadion in Copenhagen.