Skrtel contract talks hits a snag

Martin Skrtel's contract talks with Liverpool have hit a snag over a clause relating to the number of games he must play each season. Photo by: EPA/PETER POWELL

Martin Skrtel's contract talks with Liverpool have hit a snag over a clause relating to the number of games he must play each season. Photo by: EPA/PETER POWELL

Published May 6, 2015

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Martin Skrtel’s contract talks with Liverpool have hit a snag over a clause relating to the number of games he must play each season.

The 30-year-old central defender, who is one of the top earners at the club behind Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge, was thought to be close to agreeing a new three-year deal, with the option of another 12 months.

Liverpool were confident of wrapping up the contract before the end of the season, but it is understood Skrtel has to play 80 per cent of the games to qualify for his full salary and those terms have proved a stumbling block.

Liverpool, who are negotiating with a number of players over new deals, have caused considerable discord over their handling of the future of Brad Jones.

The back-up keeper is furious with the club after he was initially told that he would be given a new 12-month contract because of his positive influence in the dressing room. He was happy to stay for another year as No 2 to Simon Mignolet but can now leave for free at the end of the season.

Daniel Sturridge had surgery in New York yesterday to correct the hip problem that has ended his season.

The 25-year-old Liverpool striker has been in the United States since last week seeing specialists over an issue that has plagued him since he was injured during a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in March.

It was hoped that rest and recuperation would correct the damage but it was decided that surgery was the best course of action to prevent any recurrence of the injury later in his career.

Sturridge now has no chance of being involved in England’s end of season internationals against Slovenia and the Republic of Ireland.

It has been a nightmare 12 months for Sturridge, who has also suffered thigh and calf problems, limiting him to just 19 appearances.

Provided there are no complications, Sturridge should be fit for pre-season, when Liverpool will embark on a tour of Australia and Malaysia. The club is also exploring the possibility of playing in Vietnam or Thailand. – Daily Mail

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