As per a report from the Daily Record, Scottish giants Rangers’ attempt to try and sign defender Martin Skrtel from Fenerbahce is dead in the water.
The former Liverpool centre-half was on top of Gers’ new manager Steven Gerrard’s wishlist. While the player himself was keen on securing a move to the Ibrox Stadium, the difference between the two parties over wages meant the deal had to fall through.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Skrtel’s agent Karol Csonto revealed:
“Martin would be very happy to play under Steven Gerrard but sometimes, regarding transfers, you need to put so many things together and in this situation it’s impossible.
“When there is only a small difference then you can find a solution. But in this case, the salary of the player in Turkey is four or five times more than what Rangers could offer. That makes it impossible.”
Defensive reinforcements are a must for the Light Blues if they are to improve their fortunes next season but with a deal for Skrtel now off the table, here are three alternatives they should consider instead.
Kyle Bartley (Swansea City)
The 27-year-old spent most of the 2017/18 campaign out on the sidelines with injury troubles and as a result, featured only 12 times across all competitions for the freshly relegated Swans. As per recent reports, the Gers are eyeing a move for the English defender.
Bartley spent a part of 2010/11 and the 2011/12 campaign on loan with the Light Blues early in his career, when he was coming through the ranks at Arsenal.
The defender went on to make 30 appearances for the Scottish side, scoring and assisting one goal apiece, impressing in his short stint at the club.
Since then, Bartley has grown as a player and despite having an injury-hit season, will be a great addition to the Gers backline due to his experience and no-nonsense approach to defending.
Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea)
The 24-year-old defender returned to parent club Chelsea after spending the 2017/18 campaign away on loan with Turkish outfit Kasimpasa. Given the number of defenders ahead of him in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, he is likely to be loaned out again in the summer.
Omeruo joined Chelsea back in the summer of 2012 but is yet to make a single appearance for the Blues’ senior outfit.
Instead, he has been farmed out on loan to various clubs like ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough, Alanyaspor and the previous campaign was his second stint with Kasimpasa. He featured 28 times for the Turkish outfit in the season, scoring one goal in the process.
Omeruo might not have been able to break into the Chelsea first-team but has performed ably at all of his loan clubs, which has seen him establish himself as a defensive mainstay for the Nigerian national team.
He will be looking to add to his 37 international appearances in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Strong and physical, he is also a good passer of the ball and the Gers should look to tempt him away from the Bridge with the lure of regular playing time.
Miguel Britos (Watford)
The Uruguayan centre-half will be available on a Bosman transfer at the end of the season and Rangers should consider the possibility of landing him.
The 32-year-old hasn’t featured heavily for Watford this season, having missed out on three months of action due to a foot injury.
Britos made just 12 appearances in the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, scoring a goal in the process. He may have endured a difficult season due to injuries but is a defender with volumes of experience at the top level.
He made close to 100 appearances for Serie A side Napoli before moving to England and has been a constant fixture in the Watford backline during their Premier League stint. Given the number of years he has spent playing at the topmost level, his knowledge and experience could benefit the Gers immensely.
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