Though their £10 million bid for Southampton‘s Nathaniel Clyne was rejected, Liverpool will be pleased to hear rivals Manchester United are no longer interested.
Liverpool were reported to have had their initial £10 million bid for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne rejected this week.
However, the belief is that the Reds will continue their pursuit of the 24-year-old as Glen Johnson is set to depart on a free transfer this summer, and the futures of Jon Flanagan, Andre Wisdom and Javier Manquillo are under question.
Encouragingly, reports on Friday claim that the main rivals to Liverpool’s bid, Manchester United, have dropped their interest in Clyne.
“United are aware of Clyne’s contract situation and scouted the defender earlier this season, but Press Association Sport understands they are no longer interested in the England international.
“That leaves Liverpool as the front-runners for Clyne’s signature and they are said to be contemplating a second bid for the full-back.”
If United have halted their pursuit of Clyne, this should represent an opportunity for Liverpool to get their business done swiftly and decisively as they look to fill a key void in their squad.
Brendan Rodgers largely utilised Emre Can in an unnatural right-back role towards the end of the season, and this area was a significant weakness for the Reds.
Clyne would be an upgrade on all of Liverpool’s current options at right-back, and with just a year left to run on his current Saints contract shouldn’t be a hugely expensive transfer for the Reds.
At just 24, Clyne could solidify Liverpool’s right defensive flank for the next seven or eight years, in theory.
Liverpool need to act fast, before they are once again challenged in the market.
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