Newly promoted side want Liverpool veteran to play alongside former Reds Academy graduate

Posted by

Middlesbrough are interested in Liverpool’s out of favour centre-back Martin Skrtel, reports the Express, and are considering a £6m bid.

The Slovakian has been with us since 2007, but fell out of favour under Jurgen Klopp last term, with the Liverpool boss preferring Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure in the middle of defence.

Aitor Karanka’s side won promotion to the Premier League thanks to a second placed finish, earning a spot in the top flight for the first time since the 2008/09 season.

Thanks to the influx of television money, they’ll have the resources to strengthen their squad, and could do worse than Skrtel – who’d be a very good signing for a club expected to battle relegation.

Besiktas were thought to be close to a deal to bring the 31-year-old to Turkey, but no deal has yet been agreed and thee Teesside club could offer him a stay of execution in the Premier League.

Interestingly, if they did acquire Skrtel – he could start alongside Daniel Ayala at the back – who actually left Liverpool in 2011 for Norwich, only to join Middlesbrough three years later. Now 25, Ayala has established himself as a very solid centre-back. During the 2009/10 season though, Ayala came on as a late sub to make his professional debut, replacing Skrtel in the process! Ayala made five appearances in total, but never played next to Skrtel, who he was mostly replacing through injury.

More Stories Daniel Ayala Martin Skrtel