Newcastle Utd interested in Fenerbahce’s Skrtel

Fenerbahce defender Martin Skrtel could be leaving Turkey this summer after reports link him with a move back to England.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is pushing for a reunion with Martin Skrtel as the English club look to bring the Fenerbahce defender to St James’ Park, according to reports.

The 33-year-old has just one year left on his deal with the Yellow Canaries, and could link up with his former Liverpool boss in Tyneside.

According to Turkish news outlet A Spor, the Magpies are keen on landing the Slovakian centre-back.

They claim that Newcastle chiefs have flown out to Istanbul as they look to thrash out a deal to bring Skrtel back to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Benitez brought the former Zenit defender to Anfield in 2008 – where he would go on to make 319 appearances – while also scoring in the 2012 League Cup final win against Cardiff.

But Skrtel would bring much-needed experience to the Newcastle backline as they look to improve on their tenth-placed finish.

It is believed the 97-capped international will be available on a cut-price fee with Fenerbahce looking to get him off their wage bill.

Skrtel endured a frustrating season in Turkey this campaign – appearing in just 21 league games as fans criticised his performances.

While the player has also been linked with taking up a player-coaching role at Rangers to link up with Steven Gerrard once again.