Ex-Liverpool defender “in talks” to join NUFC on a free – Dubious report

According to reports in Turkey, Fenerbahce defender Martin Skrtel is ‘in talks’ with Newcastle over a potential summer move to St James’ Park.

I’d treat any transfer story with caution at this stage given it’s hard to know who will be our owner or manager ahead of the 2019/20 season, however I have plenty doubts about this one.

Yes he played under Rafa Benitez for several years, the man who brought him to the Premier League many moons ago, and yes the Spaniard loves a centre-back, but this seems so, so unlikely to me – even if we have been linked in the past.

He may be available on a free next month, but he turns 35 later this year and it’s been made clear recently that Mike Ashley is reluctant to sign our 29-year-old ‘player of the season’, never mind an ageing centre-back likely to want big wages.

Fotospor are claiming that ourselves and Serie A side Parma are discussing a deal for the soon-to-be free agent, however you have to ask yourself A) do we need another centre-back and B) is this the sort of deal Mike Ashley would sanction?

He played 40 games last season and still represents Slovakia on a regular basis, but unless Ciaran Clark is leaving, we (Rafa?) wants more cover while Lejeune’s out injured and he accepts a low wage packet, I just can’t see this one happening.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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