With rumours doing the rounds that Liverpool are on the verge of a deal for a central defender, it has emerged that talks are underway to sign Martin Skrtel from Russian side, Zenith St. Petersburg.

This was revealed today by the Norwegian broadcaster NRK, which is government owned and therefore not liable to idle speculation.

Skrtel, a 23 year old Slovak international, has already played on Merseyside this season when Zenit went down 1-0 to Everton in the UEFA Cup where, truth be told, he didn’t perform particularly well.

Even so, he is highly rated and regarded as one of the most promising defenders in Europe. With a reported fee of around ₤6.5 million, if the transfer were to go throught then it should also ease off the rumours that the club's owner aren't willing - or able - to back the manager.