Benitez Plots January Raid for Unsettled Liverpool Defender – Report

Napoli manager Rafa Benitez has retained his interest in Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel and is considering making an offer once the transfer window opens in January.

The Slovakian defender was heavily linked with a move to Napoli during the summer with numerous reports suggesting that Liverpool rejected an offer of £10m back in August.

Skrtel had fallen out of favour with manager Brendan Rodgers last season and despite Jamie Carragher retiring, was forced to start the new campaign on the bench thanks to the impressive partnership of Kolo Toure and Daniel Agger.

Injuries have given Skrtel the chance to stake a claim for his place in the side but he faces stiff competition after Rodgers was able to complete deadline day deals for Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori.

Now reports in Italy suggest that Benitez is keen to renew his interest in Skrtel as he looks to build a squad that is capable of maintaining a title challenge.

Napoli have made an impressive start under Benitez, winning their first four games of the season to sit top of the league alongside Roma. An impressive away win against AC Milan confirmed their status as genuine title challengers but it seems the former Liverpool boss still feels his side needs improving.

Benitez spent heavily in the summer but it has been the attacking players that have caught the eye with Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon particularly impressing. Their former Real Madrid teammate Raul Albiol has made a significant difference in defence but with Paolo Cannovaro now 32 years old, he may be seeking a younger alternative.

Football Italia suggest that Liverpool may well be prepared to listen to offers for Skrtel in January but they would demand in excess of £10m for a player who is still under contract until 2016.

The 28 year old was glad to receive an opportunity to impress in the 1-0 win over Manchester United earlier this month but admitted he would make a decision on his future later in the season.

Skrtel told ESPN: "Players come, players leave. It's a normal thing and we will see how that develops."