Zenit confident of landing Liverpool defender

Ahead of next week’s UEFA Europa League head-to-head, Zenit St Petersburg remain confident of dealing Liverpool a big blow by landing one of their top defenders.

Martin Skrtel has been linked with a return to the club he left for Merseyside in January 2008, but the Daily Mirror understands Brendan Rodgers will do what he can to keep the Slovakian at Anfield.

Skrtel (pictured) has hit a patchy run of form, and a difficult day dealing with Matt Smith in the FA Cup at Oldham has seen him lose his regular place in the starting 11 to the experienced Jamie Carragher, who is retiring from football at the end of the season.

With the Russian transfer window still open until 24 February, a deal is possible for the 28-year-old to return to Russia.

He has made 202 total appearances for the Reds, and was voted the club’s player of the season by Liverpool fans last term.

Rodgers will be keen to hold onto Skrtel until at least the summer. He attracted strong interest from Premier League champions Manchester City last year.

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

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