Fenerbahce have told Sevco to forget about a swoop for Martin Skrtel.
Accompanying news that Steven Gerrard had agreed to take over as Sevco manager was the first marquee signing of his old Liverpool team-mate.
The 33-year-old moved to Fenerbahce in 2016 and still has a year to run on his lucrative contract which is believed to be worth around £50,000/week.
After placing all of their defensive hopes on Pip Senderos and Bruno Alves, Skrtel was being pained as the latest defensive rock to build a title challenge around- which came as a surprise to the Turkish side.
Responding to the speculation Fenerbahce boss Aykut Kocaman told the Daily Record: “Martin Skrtel is an important part of the team. He won’t be going anywhere this summer. Why would he? He is happy here.
“He is a brave warrior. Last week against Kasimpasa, he received the worst wound I have ever seen in my football career. His head was burst open but he got five stitches and played on. He had to go to hospital after the game and get several more stitches.
“This is the type of person he is. He is an inspiration.”
After his high profile arrival on Friday Gerrard returned to his Merseyside home, unable to find time to watch Sevco’s home match against Kilmarnock.
Jimmy Nicholl will remain in charge for the two remaining matches despite Gerrard claiming that he couldn’t wait to get into the dressing room and start working with the players.
Deals to sign Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor have still to be confirmed although both players are entitled to sign pre-contract agreements.