Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel is set to head for Glasgow to secure a £2.7million switch to Rangers after he was left out of the national side, according to Pravda.
The Slovakian newspaper report on their website that the 33-year-old powerhouse will be travelling to Scotland to wrap up a reunion with former team mate Steven Gerrard, with the Liverpool legend taking charge in his first ever managerial role at the Glasgow giants.
It is stated that he will cost the Light Blues in the region of £2.7million to seal his signature from Turkish side Fenerbahce, and he will be able to undergo the final stages of the move after being confirmed as an absentee from the Slovakian national squad by manager Jan Kozak.
The international boss was quoted by Pravda as saying: “It would be good to be with the team now. But his condition is not good.
“He first had muscle problems, then he broke his head, played with injections, pressure on him, and that was great. Finally, we have agreed that as an older player needs more rest, he can get things right.”
Good move for Rangers?
The Gers took a gamble on what they though was a proven international defender 12 months ago, and they will be hoping that Skrtel’s time at Ibrox is much more positive than the experienced Bruno Alves.
The Portuguese star’s fluctuating form contributed to the roller coaster of the season that the Light Blues endured and there will be expectation of consistency from the Slovakian if and when he puts pen to paper.
The £2.7million price tag is not much in the current climate of transfer moves but it still represents a costly risk for the cash stricken club, which will have to come off for the better if he is to have any chance of going down as a success.
Still, experience and quality should see him shine through, and everyone who has watched Rangers know that their defence needs bolstering.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It seems as though this one is pretty much a done deal – and it is all thanks to Steven Gerrard.
Skrtel would not have been viewed as a realistic target had the Liverpool icon not been at the helm, but now it looks as though he could be confirmed any day now.
The Rangers revolution is in full swing, and the Ibrox faithful will be excited to see who is next throught the door.