Skrtel linked with Zenit return

Russian newspaper Izvestia has suggested that Zenit are set to launch an assault on Liverpool stopper Martin Skrtel.

Despite signing Luis Neto from Siena, the Russian giants want to further reinforce their back line, and are, therefore, readying bid for their former player.

Martin Skrtel is considered an important member of the first team set-up at Anfield, but he might be interested in a return to Russia after clashing with boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Slovakian has always spoken highly of Zenit and the Russian championship and the recent developments could push him further towards the Anfield exit.

Skrtel, 28, spent three and a half years in St Petersburg before joining Liverpool in a €10 million deal in January 2007.

He has since made 147 Premier League appearances for the Reds, scoring 7 goals in the process.

Martin Skrtel has a contract until June 2015 at Anfield and he is currently valued at €15 million.