Martin Skrtel
Martin Skrtel is reportedly close to joining Napoli from Liverpool. [Reuters]

Brendan Rodgers may well need to recuit another central defender as reports in Italy suggest that Liverpool are prepared to allow Martin Skrtel to complete a move to Napoli.

The Reds have already brought in Kolo Toure but the veteran defender is viewed as a direct replacement for the recently retired Jamie Carragher. Should Skrtel be allowed to leave then it is likely that another central defender would be signed before the transfer window closes at the beginning of September.

Skrtel has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield after falling out of favour with Rodgers during the second half of last season. The Slovakian lost his place to Carragher and it seems he is keen to be reunited with former manager Rafa Benitez at Napoli.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport report that Napoli have been in constant contact with Liverpool over the past few weeks and are confident that they will be able to agree a deal in the very near future.

Napoli captain Marek Hamsik is also pushing for the club to complete a deal for his compatriot as Benitez's side look to build a squad that is capable of overhauling Juventus in winning their first league title since 1990.

Benitez has already landed Pepe Reina on a season-long loan from Liverpool and it seems he is keen to now sign Skrtel who was left out of the squad by Rodgers for Steven Gerrard's testimonial against Olympiakos.

Should Skrtel complete his move then Liverpool would be short of options in central defence, with Daniel Agger and Toure the only real options for Rodgers who has refused to hand opportunities to Uruguayan youngster Sebastian Coates.

Academy graduates Andre Wisdom and Martin Kelly can both operate in the centre of defence but are untested at the highest level in this position.

Liverpool have been linked with several defenders in the current transfer window, with the likes of Swansea's Ashley Williams and Sporting Lisbon centre-back Tiago Ilori mentioned, but there have been no official bids for either player.