As reported by Fotomac, Newcastle United are interested in signing former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel this summer.

What's the story?

Rafa Benitez is in the market for defenders he feels can perform consistently in the English Premier League next season with the Magpies making the big step up from the Championship.

Benitez needs players he knows can do a job in the top-flight, there's no room for recruitment errors or slip ups with the Premier League as competitive as ever.

That may be why he's interested in signing Martin Skrtel.

That's according to Fotomac, who say that Benitez is insisting on landing his man. Currently playing for Fenerbahce, the Turkish club are reported to want around £4.8m for the 32-year-old.

Still got it?

During his nine season spell at Liverpool, Skrtel emerged into one of the finest defenders in the entire division and ended up making 319 appearances for the club. A popular figure on Merseyside, he won the club's Player Of The Year award in 2012.

He's coming off the back of a fine season for Fenerbahce too, making 45 appearances for the Turkish side in all competitions.

Of course, Benitez trusts him too and that's a bonus. The Spaniard was the man who signed the Slovakian international back in January 2008.

At 32 years old he's coming into the latter stages of his career but still has plenty to offer. His aggressive style and ability in the air could really enhance the Magpies and give them a solid platform to play from in the top-flight next term.