It’s no surprise that, as the season draws on, Liverpool’s best performing players are starting to be linked to rival clubs. During the last window, we saw Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez and Lucas all linked with moves away.
So it was inevitable that, as his form continued in earnest, Martin Skrtel’s reputation would again be enhanced to the level that he’d start to be noticed by the likes of City.
Reports on Friday night, Saturday morning indicate that Manchester City are looking to offload Demechelis and Lescott over the summer and that Skrtel is to be their number 1 target as a replacement and new partner for Vincent Kompany, after a somewhat unconvincing season at the back up to now for City.
The big Slovak has been in some of the best form of his life this season, despite not beginning as a first choice centre back, with the highlights being the derby destruction of city rivals Everton, and the 5:1 hammering of title rivals Arsenal.
During that match Skrtel was not only indomitable at the back but also powered home two impressive goals against the Gunners and led the Reds to victory in style with a defensive performance to rival that of Sami Hyypia’s best.
Skrtel has not always been a favourite with many Reds but his form this season may just have made him one of the clubs’ most important players and he has undoubtedly been a rock at the back; a constant in an ever-changing (and often under-performing) defence.
Much of City’s interest will depend on Liverpool’s form between now and the end of the season. Should the club make it to the Champions League for next season then Skrtel is likely to stay and possibly even be handed a more lucrative contract to make sure that his loyalties lie with the club.
Should the unthinkable happen however and Liverpool fall behind, then City may well be in a far stronger position to pounce in the summer.
They can pounce all they want – £35m please minimum
Forget the (please) it’s £40M take it or leave it.
At least 50
60?
50 with kompany