Reds close to defender signing

Last updated : 08 January 2008 By Al Campbell

The St Petersburg centre-back is reportedly on Merseyside for a medical and is set to sign for the Reds in the next 24 hours. Rafael Benitez is hoping the deal can be rushed through so he can add Skrtel to his squad for Saturday's away game with Middlesbrough.

The 23 year old Slovak international has 15 caps and is expected to cost Liverpool £6.5m.