Fenerbahce Reportedly Closing on Martin Skrtel Deal

According to reports out of Turkey, Fenerbahce are at an advanced stage in negotiations to secure the services of 31-year-old Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, with the player willing to move on as he does not believe he will see regular minutes next season if he remains at Anfield.

Turkish sport daily Fanatik report Fenerbahce have been talking to both player and club for some time, and that they have ramped up their efforts this week believing a compromise deal is close. Earlier reports had Liverpool asking for around £8M for Skrtel, while Fanatic claim Fenerbahce believe his value to be nearer £6M.

However, recent rumours have suggested that there may also be interest in Skrtel at Besiktas and Galatasaray, and at one point there were even reports of a £7M Besiktas offer that Liverpool were seriously considering. With all of that in mind, it might be too early to declare a deal anything like done.

An eventual move to Turkey, though, does seem likeliest for a player whose role at the club was cast into doubt due to injury and poor form this past season. With the arrival of Joel Matip on a free transfer and Mamadou Sakho likely to be available for selection, he would be even further down the pecking order in 2016-17.

It’s a situation that last month led to Skrtel’s agent admitting that he was "90% sure Martin will leave Liverpool" and that there had been firm interest from a number of Turkish clubs, including Besiktas, who were at the time rumoured to be favourites for his signature.