• Premier League

Skrtel ready to agree contract extension

Mike Whalley, ESPNsoccernet
August 14, 2012
Martin Skrtel has been swayed by Luis Suarez's decision to stay © Getty Images
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Martin Skrtel is in talks to commit his future to Liverpool, and could sign an improved four-year contract later this week.

The club have opened formal discussions with the 27-year-old centre-back, who won Liverpool's player of the year award last season, with a view to signing him up until 2016.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to end any speculation over the future of the defender, amid interest from Manchester City earlier in the summer. The Premier League champions were were put off by Liverpool's £20 million valuation, and have since turned their attention to his central defensive partner Daniel Agger.

Slovakia international Skrtel, who moved to Anfield from Zenit St Petersburg for £6.5 million in 2008, had indicated that he was considering his future after Liverpool only finished eighth in the Premier League last season.

But he has been encouraged by Luis Suarez's decision to sign a new contract earlier this month and, although he has two years to run on his current contract, is ready to agree an extension

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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