Newcastle United are stepping up their interests to sign Fenerbahce’s star defender Martin Skrtel.

According to the daily Turkish newspaper Takvim, Newcastle officials will travel to Istanbul this week to hold talks with both Skrtel and his club.

Per the source, Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is keen on signing the Slovakia international. The Spanish tactician signed Skrtel to Liverpool during his spell in charge of the Merseyside based club.

Skrtel went onto spend eight seasons with Liverpool before his transfer to Fenerbahce in 2016.

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The 33-year-old was recently linked with a reunification with Steven Gerrard at Rangers. However, the ex-Liverpool star’s hefty wages with the Turkish giants priced Rangers out of a move.

Takvim go onto state that Fenerbahce are willing to sell Skrtel this summer as they are looking to reduce their wage bill.

The Slovakia international provided one assist and scored three goals in 30 appearances for Fenerbahce this season.