MIDDLESBROUGH will pass up the chance to sign Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, with the Slovakian edging closer to a summer move to Turkish side Besiktas.

With Skrtel having been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, his agents have been sounding out potential interest from a number of quarters.

Middlesbrough were offered a chance to make an approach for the 31-year-old, but while Riverside officials asked to be kept informed of developments, they do not regard Skrtel’s signing as a priority.

Daniel Ayala and Ben Gibson will be given the chance to prove themselves in the Premier League next season, and while Boro are expected to sign another centre-half to provide cover, it is doubtful Skrtel would agree to move to Teesside as a third-choice centre-half.

As a result, Skrtel’s representatives have turned their attention elsewhere, and Besiktas have signalled a willingness to pay around €8m in order to take the centre-half to Turkey.

Skrtel is currently with the Slovakian squad ahead of Euro 2016 – where they are due to meet England in their final group game – and it is unlikely his future will be resolved until the end of this summer’s tournament.

It remains to be seen whether he is willing to uproot to Istanbul, but even if he rejects a move to Besiktas, it is unlikely Boro will be making a formal approach for his services.

Meanwhile, former Middlesbrough defender Gary Pallister has suggested that Marcus Rashford could move to the Riverside on loan if Manchester United complete the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovich.

With Jose Mourinho having been confirmed as Manchester United’s new boss, Rashford could find his first-team prospects at Old Trafford limited next season, particularly if Ibrahimovich completes his much-mooted move as a free agent.

Aitor Karanka exploited his close relationship with Mourinho to sign a host of loan players from Chelsea, and Pallister has hinted the pair’s long-standing friendship could work in Middlesbrough’s favour again.

“If United get Ibrahimovich, then maybe Boro can have Marcus Rashford on loan,” said Pallister. “The Rashford boy has proved to be a phenomenon.

“The way things have gone for him has been incredible, and hopefully his talent will be allowed to express itself at Manchester United. If United do bring in a big signing up front, you hope he can still progress. He looks a very special talent.”