After deliberating over terms throughout the summer so far, Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel is reportedly set to sign a new contract next week.
Martin Skrtel will seal a new three-year Liverpool contract when he returns to pre-season training at Melwood next week.
That is according to reports on Friday.
James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo writes: “The defender has already agreed the deal in principle, with the details set to be finalised upon his return to pre-season training on Monday.
“Skrtel had entered the final 12 months of his current contract, and had expressed concern earlier in the year at what he deemed an ‘unacceptable’ offer from Liverpool.”
He later continues: “But after further negotiations, a deal has been reached, and Skrtel will now extend his seven-year stay on Merseyside.”
Following the departure of Steven Gerrard to LA Galaxy, Skrtel is the longest-serving player in the current Liverpool squad, and stands a good chance of being promoted to vice-captain if Jordan Henderson‘s assumes Gerrard’s captaincy for next season.
Skrtel has long been a dependable figure for the Reds, rarely missing games through injury, and has battled back from exile to become a mainstay under Brendan Rodgers.
Last season, the 30-year-old made 33 Premier League appearances, and played the fourth-most minutes (2,970) of any Liverpool player.
He particularly excelled in the sweeper role in Rodgers’ three-man defence during 2014/15, although there are concerns over his long-term suitability to a progressive, ball-playing back line.
Nevertheless, Skrtel’s commitment should stand as positive news in terms of stability within the Liverpool squad.
The Slovak joins Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Jordon Ibe and Jon Flanagan in securing new contracts in recent months.
According to Pearce, the next to join that group could be midfielder Joe Allen.
“The Welshman still has two years left on his current Reds deal, but talks over a new one are ongoing, and it is unlikely that there will be any complication,” he writes.
“He too is due back at Melwood on Monday, along with the majority of the Reds’ first-team squad.”
Allen made 21 league appearances last term, and is a useful squad player for Rodgers.
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