Newcastle line up bid to bring in ex-Liverpool favourite

Rafael Benitez is keen on a deal to bring Martin Skrtel back to the Premier League with Newcastle United, according to reports in Turkey.

The pair worked together at Liverpool, and the Spanish tactician now wants a reunion with the centre-back.

Turkish newspaper Takvim claims that officials from Newcastle will meet with Skrtel’s current club Fenerbahce this week to discuss a transfer.

Skrtel, 33, spent eight seasons on Merseyside, being named the club’s Player of the Year for 2012.

He was sold to Fenerbahce in 2016, but the Turkish club are reportedly now looking to take him off their wage bill.

Skrtel, who captains Slovakia, would add depth to the defence at Newcastle, who may be bracing themselves for the departure of Jamaal Lascelles. The 24-year-old has been linked with a summer switch to Liverpool after an impressive campaign, but recently reiterated his happiness on Tyneside.

Skrtel, whose contract is up next summer, had also been linked with a reunion with former team-mate Steven Gerrard at Rangers, but it appears the Glasgow club will not be able to meet his wage demands.