Middlesbrough say No to Martin Skrtel

Premier League newcomers Middlesbrough have apparently rejected the chance to sign unsettled Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. The Slovakian will now head to Turkey with Besiktas close to agreeing terms for his services.

The 31-year-old centre-back was said to be in discussions with the Riverside outfit after it emerged that he would be parting ways with Liverpool in the transfer window.

However, according to The Express, Boro have pulled out of the chase for Skrtel as they were unlikely to offer him a regular berth so long as the central duo of Daniel Ayala and Ben Wilson were fit and kicking.

The news will pave way for Besiktas to finalize a £7m deal for the player ahead of his transfer next month.

Skrtel joined the Reds from Russian giants Zenit St.Petersburg in 2008.