On Friday, Slovak newspaper Denník Šport reported on West Bromwich Albion’s interest in Slovak centre back Martin Škrtel, who joined Fenerbahce from Liverpool last summer.
The Slovak newspaper cited the Turkish media, who claimed West Brom boss Tony Pulis is keen to bring in the defender.
A deal at this stage doesn’t seem probable, even if Škrtel or his agent have not yet denied these claims of a move to West Ham.
However, his agent Karol Csontó refused an option of Škrtel’s return to England in June, when there were rumours of interest from Stoke City, Swansea City and Newcastle United.
Csonto said to Pravda: “Martin’s departure is not realistic at all. Nine years in the Premier League were enough and he would not go back into England even if Chelsea called him. He is happy in Istanbul.”
Given these comments from Škrtel’s agent earlier in the window it seems West Brom may need to look elsewhere if they want to sign a central defender before the window closes.
There has been speculation of Jonny Evans joining Manchester City in recent days, but West Brom have so far rejected these advances. Pulis wants to keep Evans at the club, but Manchester City may come back in with an improved offer.
Lukáš Vráblik
