OPINION
Despite another season of progress on the pitch at Newcastle United, the drama and speculation never seems to fail to follow the club off it.
With ongoing talks surrounding the ownership of the Magpies and debate which has still not seen Rafael Benitez sign a deal to remain in control – rumours still appear in regards to potential signings for next season.
If the proposed takeover is to go through, there is a potential that the transfer budget would dramatically increase.
Despite this, one of the first names linked with a move to Newcastle is a freebie in the shape of experienced central defender Martin Skrtel – but Rafael Benitez must steer well clear of the Slovakian.
At 34-years-old, Skrtel is way past his best and according to Fotospor is to become a free agent after requesting a three year deal at Fenerbahce – something the Turkish side were unwilling to give him.
The 103 cap Slovakian international has been poor this season only keeping seven clean sheets in a 34 game campaign where his side only managed to finish sixth.
Rafael Benitez previously signed the defender when he was in charge at Liverpool but the Spaniard already has better options at his disposal, meaning a reunion must be avoided at all costs.
The signing of Fabian Schar last summer for only £3.5million proved that there is much better options to be found with the Swiss international being one of his best performers throughout the campaign.
With players supporting Schar such as Florian Lejeune, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez, Benitez needs to explore younger, cheaper options.
Not that they do right now but should the club need defensive reinforcements, the ageing Skrtel is nowhere near what is required for the future and Benitez must forget about a reunion this summer.