Manchester City planning swoop for Liverpool's Martin Skrtel?

Manchester City are considering a move for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, but will only proceed with their interest if the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League, a report claims.

Skrtel has been an important part of Brendan Rodgers's side this season, helping them to fourth in the Premier League, just a point behind City.

However, the Daily Mail says that if Liverpool drop out of the top four and miss out on Champions League football, Manuel Pellegrini will make his move for the Slovakian centre-back.

Skrtel, who signed a new contract at Anfield in 2012, joined the club from Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2008.