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29 March 2024

Losing Skrtel costlier for Liverpool than getting Dempsey

Martin Skrtel of Liverpool competes with Junior Hoilett of Blackburn Rovers during the Barclays Premier League match at Ewood park in this April 10, 2012 file photo. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is desperate to keep Martin Skrtel who has received a number of offers to quit Anfield.

The 27-year-old was voted Liverpool's Player of the Year last season after helping the club to Carling Cup success and an FA Cup Final.

However, the Reds' disappointing league performances and subsequent failure to qualify for Champions League football has prompted the defender to consider his future on Merseyside.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Italian giants AC Milan have all been linked with moves for Skrtel, who confirmed this week he has received a number of offers to move elsewhere this summer, according to the Metro.

"There exists a number of offers but without the permission of Liverpool nothing can move forward," Skrtel said.

The defensive powerhouse revealed that he is open to all offers - including extending his contract at Liverpool - but that talks over an extended stay at Anfield have cooled.

"We have been in talks about a new contract but it has not moved forward. At the moment I am a Liverpool player and what happens in future in football you can never foresee."

Skrtel is currently contracted to Liverpool until 2014.

Meanwhile, Rodgers says his club has spoken to Fulham about signing American forward Clint Dempsey.

The Reds have been heavily linked with the American international, whose contract at Craven Cottage expires at the end of next season.

Fulham have said the player is not for sale and that they hope to tie the 29-year-old to a new deal.
 
Rodgers has, however, told the official Liverpool website, Liverpoolfc.com, they were interested in bringing the player to Anfield.
 
"Clint is a player we've enquired about, it is as simple as that," said Rodgers.