Manchester: Manchester City are targeting a shock summer move for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel should the Merseysiders fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Manuel Pellegrini will need a new central defender with Joleon Lescott almost certain to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Skrtel has impressed for the Anfield club this season as Brendan Rodgers’s side look to secure a top-four place.
The Slovakian, 29, signed a contract extension in August 2012 and is said to be happy on Merseyside, but he wants Champions League football. Liverpool are still on course to qualify; however, City are ready to pounce should Rodgers’s side once again fail to make the top four.
Meanwhile, Lescott, 31, will be offered a lucrative free transfer to Turkish club Besiktas when his contract ends at the end of the season.
The former England star was a target for Aston Villa and West Ham in the January transfer window, but was initially told he could not leave.
The club, however, changed their minds late in the window after it looked like their failed move for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala, 23, would come off - but by that time the Hammers and Villa had both switched targets.
It is understood that Lescott will give serious consideration to a summer move to Turkey.
