Skrtel set to finalise £5.5m move from Liverpool to Fenerbahce

Martin Skrtel is "a last step away" from completing his £5.5 million switch from Liverpool to Fenerbahce.

The centre-back arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday to proceed with the formalities of the move after holidaying with his wife in the French Riviera following Slovakia’s exit from the European Championship.

He is hoping to be officially unveiled on Wednesday.

Skrtel, signed by Rafael Benitez from Zenit St Petersburg for £6.5m in January 2008, fielded interest from Roma, Inter and Wolfsburg before accepting Fener’s proposal. 

Their Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Besiktas also made approaches to the player’s camp, but the runners-up in last season’s Super Lig were the only side to formally match Liverpool’s valuation for the defender. 

"Obviously I'm very happy to be here," Skrtel told Fenerbahce TV.
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I've known the Fenerbahce as a team and a club already. Also I spoke with Miroslav Stoch and he told me beautiful things about the club and city."