Liverpool: Inter Milan approach for Martin Skrtel confirmed as defender agrees new deal

The agent of Liverpool stalwart Martin Skrtel has admitted Inter Milan previously made contact over a potential deal for the defender amid reports he has agreed to extend his stay at Anfield.

Experienced centre-back Skrtel, who first moved to the Premier League from Zenit Saint Petersburg seven years ago and made 50 appearances in all competitions last season, is out of contract in June 2016 and his future has appeared increasingly uncertain of late.

Inter Milan, Napoli and Wolfsburg have all been linked with his services and earlier in June, the player described one new offer from Liverpool – supposedly dependent on the 30-year-old playing a high percentage of matches next season – as "unacceptable" and akin to the sort of deals commonly offered to players who are much older or have experienced persistent problems with injury.

An obvious difference of opinion could easily have led to Skrtel departing Merseyside, with Serie A side Inter's interest particularly strong as manager Roberto Mancini seeks to strengthen his defensive options having presumably been impressed by the Slovakia international during his four-year stint in charge at Manchester City.

Such a deal never came to fruition, though, with agent Karol Csonto confirming his client deliberated over his next move before deciding to commit his future to Liverpool.

"I confess that there were not mere rumours, the interest from Inter was real," he was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "The deal did not go ahead, but there was contact made. The player had been thinking about his future and eventually opted to remain at Liverpool."

While the club has yet to provide any official confirmation, The Times suggests the two parties have now resolved their respective differences and agreed terms on a new three-year deal that will be signed when Skrtel returns from a post-season break.