Rodgers desperate to keep Skrtel

While there has been plenty of speculation linking players with moves to Anfield, there has also been one niggling rumour that has suggested that Martin Skrtel is on the radar of other clubs. Various newspaper reports have linked the Slovakian defender with a move away from the club, with a switch to Manchester City supposedly on the cards. However, Brendan Rodgers claims that he has not heard anything to suggest that Skrtel will be leaving Anfield and believes that the player will be a key part of his plans.

Rodgers has constantly been asked about the future of some of his players and has been forced to admit in certain cases that individuals may not feature in his plans. This seemed to occur with Andy Carroll last week, although it looks as though Rodgers does not have the same opinion on Skrtel.

Speaking to the Daily Post, he said, “Martin has been fantastic. He seems happy and contented and he’s working well. I’ve heard nothing from any other club about Martin. He fits into my plans and ideas. I will fight as hard as I possibly can to keep the players that I want here and he is one of them.”

It is understood there are concerns on Merseyside that Skrtel will not sign a new contract with the club, with his current deal set to expire in 2014. If that was the case it would certainly be a huge concern for Rodgers, with Skrtel establishing himself as one of the best central defenders in the top flight. Since signing from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2008, the player has gone on to make over 150 starts for the Reds. Moreover, at just 27-years-old, there is no doubt that he is in the prime of his career and will only get better.