---
title: "Newcastle United join race for former Liverpool star"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2017/06/27/newcastle-united-join-race-former-liverpool-star/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-06-27T09:51:09Z"
modified: "2017-06-27T09:51:09Z"
---

# Newcastle United join race for former Liverpool star

Newcastle United have joined Premier League rivals Stoke City and Swansea City in the race to sign former Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel, according to reports in [Turkey](https://skor.sozcu.com.tr/2017/06/26/martin-skrtele-newcastle-ve-stoke-city-talip-oldu-638822/).

Fenerbahce would like to keep the 32-year-old but they are at risk of facing disciplinary action due to Financial Fair Play and as such, they might need to let him, or centre-back partner Simon Kjaer, leave this summer.

Newcastle boss Rafa Bentiez is looking to add an experienced centre-back to his squad and he knows Skrtel inside-out having signed him for Liverpool back in 2008.

![Chris McGrath/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2017/06/620907658.jpg)

As it stands, Newcastle have struggled to get signings over the line and they’ll be keen to rectify that in the coming weeks as Benitez prepares for a crucial pre-season period ahead of what is sure to be a tough first season back in the top-flight.

Skrtel, whilst coming to the end of his career, would offer the Magpies some Premier League experience, something Benitez seems keen to add to his squad.