London: Martin Skrtel says he has no plans to leave Liverpool this summer as the defender considers a contract offer to remain on Merseyside.
Skrtel, 30, revealed this month that negotiations were on hold until the end of the season but the centre back has clarified that he intends to extend his stay at the club where he has been for the past seven years. “I am not leaving anywhere,” the Slovakia international said. “Not to Wolfsburg, nor to Naples.”
Skrtel’s agent, Karol Csonto, has revealed that an offer has been made to the defender, who began contract negotiations mid-season but delayed further discussions until May. “The only offer which is lying on Martin Skrtel’s table right now is the extension of his contract from Liverpool,” Csonto said.
“We have been working on the details and we will be finalising it soon.” Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, is anxious to retain Skrtel, especially with so many other senior players leaving this summer.
Steven Gerrard is heading to LA Galaxy and Glen Johnson is expected to leave on a Bosman deal. Kolo Toure has been in contract talks but would need to take a pay cut to stay, which is considered unlikely. Liverpool are expected to confirm Jordan Henderson’s signing his five-year deal in the next 48 hours and are making progress with Jordon Ibe’s renewal.
Liverpool’s signing from Lille, Divock Origi, says the club’s coaching staff have been in constant contact with him during the course of this season as he prepares to make a permanent move this summer. Origi was signed for 10 million pounds (Dh55 million) a year ago, but then loaned straight back to the French side.
An attempt to sign him last January was blocked. “Some people from the team’s management have also sent me some messages and let me know they’re watching all the games,” Origi said. “It’s very nice to have the team supporting me and watching often.”
- The Telegraph Group Limited, London 2015
