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that Rangers and Steven Gerrard are to try and sign Martin Skrtel this summer in what will be the club’s third attempt, after the defender left Fenerbahce.
Now 34 years of age, Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate Skrtel is without a club after his contract at Fenerbahce expired this summer. It was believed Fener wanted to keep him, but talks failed to have a happy ending.
Gerrard first tried to sign Skrtel last summer in his first transfer window as Rangers manager, but was priced out of a £5million move. In January, he tried again, and got closer – but the Gers were unable to match his wage demands.
Now, Skrtel is set to travel to Glasgow in order to meet with Rangers to discuss terms and whether the Scottish club can meet the veteran’s required pay packet. He is said to be earning £60,000 a week, with his contract ending on Sunday.
Rangers have already made six summer signings and are closing in on a seventh. Steven Davis, Sheyi Ojo, Jake Hastie, Jordan Jones, Greg Stewart and George Edmundson have all joined, while Joe Aribo is close to completion.
TBR’s view – Skrtel completes near-perfect Rangers summer
Signing Skrtel would cap off a near-perfect window for Gerrard and Rangers, already. Looking at the Gers squad, Gerrard has covered every gap, apart from another centre-back and arguably another addition at left-back.
At centre-back, Rangers have added youngster Edmundson to the pecking order alongside 22-year-old Katic and the slightly more experienced Connor Goldson. The heart of the defence needs an old head, for the others to learn from.
Skrtel is that man. 103 caps for Slovakia and 532 career appearances – 87 in European competition. Those stats would give his fellow centre-backs help on and off the pitch, but only if the Gers can afford him.
