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Martin Skrtel edging closer to Fenerbahce switch from Liverpool

Martin Skrtel's eight-year stay at Liverpool is close to an end with Fenerbahce putting the finishing touches to his transfer.

The Reds accepted a £5 million bid for Skrtel, 31, earlier this month, according to Press Association Sport, but the deal had been put on hold because of the centre-back's involvement with Slovakia at Euro 2016.

Since Slovakia were eliminated by Germany in the round of 16, negotiations have moved on, and it is reported that only personal terms still need to be agreed for the transfer to be concluded.

Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim told AMK Spor: "The [Gregory] van der Wiel [from Paris Saint-Germain] and Skrtel transfers are almost done.''

Skrtel, who has made 320 appearances for Liverpool, fell out of favour last season after a hamstring injury sidelined him for three months in the middle of the campaign.

When he returned to fitness he struggled for form and veteran Kolo Toure -- since released when his contract expired -- was preferred for the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla.

Schalke defender Joel Matip's arrival on a free transfer and youngster Joe Gomez's return to fitness after knee ligament surgery have reduced Skrtel's chances of first-team football and convinced him to move on.