The agent of Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has confirmed that Inter Milan are keen on the centre-back, but indicated that the player looks set for a new deal at Anfield.
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The Slovakian has only one year left on his current deal at Merseyside, and there has been intense speculation concerning his future.
However, speaking to FCInterNews, Skrtel’s agent Karol Csonto has intimated that his client will be extending his deal at Liverpool.
“Yes, at this point I can say that [a contract renewal] is likely,” the representative began, “the player has been thinking about his future and eventually decided to remain at Liverpool.”
However, Csonto has admitted that there has been concrete interest in Skrtel from Italian giants Inter Milan.
“No, I confess, they are not mere rumours,” he continued, when asked whether the Nerazzurri had expressed interest in the international.
“Inter’s interest in Martin was real but the deal did not go ahead,” he continued, “contact has been made.”
Csonto’s comments may well come as some relief to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, who is facing an unwanted defensive restructuring this summer.
Glen Johnson has left the club on a free transfer, while Alberto Moreno has not yet convinced that he is Premier League quality on the opposite flank. Kolo Toure has signed a new contract, but the 34-year-old is largely considered a backup option rather than a first-team regular.
Liverpool conceded 48 goals last year, at least ten more than all of their rivals for the top four in the Premier League, and the Northern Irish boss will be keen to add to his options, rather than lose more of his players.
Skrtel, at 30, is still in his prime and would represent a major loss for the Merseysiders.
Wolfsburg have already tried to snare the defender, but the German side look set to miss out on the former Zenit St. Petersburg stopper [Mirror]. Arsenal have also been linked to the centre-back [via The Sun], while ESPN have reported on interest from Manchester United.
Skrtel featured 33 times for the Anfield giants, scoring one goal as the Reds finished sixth in the Premier League.
Since moving to the club in 2008, Skrtel won the League Cup with Liverpool in 2012, winning the club’s Player of the Year award in the same year.
To date, the defender has won five Slovak Footballer of the Year awards.