LUIS SUAREZ believes Liverpool team-mate Martin Skrtel is the best defender he has ever played alongside.

And the Uruguayan star believes his Anfield colleague was in the best form of his career last season, as he picked up the club’s Player of the Year award.

Skrtel enjoyed undoubtedly his strongest campaign since arriving at Liverpool in 2008, his consistency standing out in what was a largely inconsistent season for the Reds.

The Slovakian’s form has been enough to catch the eye of Premier League champions Manchester City, who have identified him as one of their summer transfer targets.

Liverpool are confident that the 27-year-old will remain at Anfield despite City’s interest. Skrtel returns to training at Melwood next week, and is expected to hold talks with new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers about extending his contract with the club. His current Reds deal expires in 2014.

Suarez, though, has paid tribute to his club-mate, rating him above the likes of Thomas Vermaelen, Diego Lugano and Jan Vertonghen as the best defender he has worked with.

Suarez said: “Right now, I would say Martin Skrtel is the best I have played with. Martin is a brilliant defender and this season I think he has been at his best.

“There are many (other) good ones I have played against but the most difficult would be Thiago Silva from Milan. He is a very good defender and is always a tough opponent. He is quick, strong and all-round a very good player.”

Suarez himself has been linked, albeit wildly, with a move away from Merseyside, with Paris St Germain among those credited with an interest.

The former Ajax man, however, is not being distracted by such idle talk, and has spoken of his pride at hearing his name chanted by the Kop since his arrival at the club.

“I know the song well now!” he said. “It’s great for me. When you come to a new club and the fans have a song for you so soon, it is brilliant. I am happy when I hear the fans sing my song. It is really important for me.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have dismissed reports linking them with a swoop for Bolton Wanderers midfielder Mark Davies.

The Reds are also unlikely to meet Wigan Athletic’s asking price for winger Victor Moses.

Sources close to the Nigerian revealed last week that the player would be open to a move to Anfield, but with Wigan ready to demand around £10m for the 21-year-old, a switch to Merseyside appears a distant prospect.