LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 17, 2014: Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne celebrates scoring the first goal against Liverpool during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool have bid for Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne rejected

Liverpool’s search for a new right-back has seen an initial £10 million bid for Southampton‘s Nathaniel Clyne rejected, reports claim.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 17, 2014: Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne celebrates scoring the first goal against Liverpool during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With Glen Johnson set to leave on the expiry of his contract this summer, Jon Flanagan facing another long-term injury layoff and the futures of Javier Manquillo and Andre Wisdom unclear, Liverpool have turned to Southampton‘s Nathaniel Clyne.

Various reports on Thursday night suggest that the club have bid £10 million for the right-back.

Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph claims however that: “The Merseyside club made an official approach for the England international, but fell short in their valuation.

“They still hope to secure a deal for the defender, who would solve a full-back problem at Anfield, and will not be dissuaded by having their first bid rejected.

“There is sure to be another approach for the 24-year-old.”

Clyne has just one year left on his contract with the Saints, and although director of football Les Reed recently revealed “very, very positive” talks with regards to an extension, it seems that the Englishman could be on the move this summer.

Manchester United have long been linked with a summer move for Clyne and, boasting the advantage of Champions League football next season, will be a major threat to Liverpool.

However, Bascombe claims: “Despite missing out on the Champions League, Liverpool are confident they can lure Clyne to Merseyside.”

Clyne would join former team-mates Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren at Anfield but, unlike that trio, he would surely be a success in Liverpool red.

This season, Clyne made 35 Premier League appearances for Southampton, scoring two goals—including one at Anfield—and helping the Saints towards 13 clean sheets.

Clyne averaged 3.3 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game, with this combined total (5.1) more than all but Manquillo in Liverpool’s full-back ranks. Add to this his work in the attacking sector, averaging 0.8 dribbles, 0.6 key passes and 0.5, Clyne is a finely balanced right-back.

A rare complete, attainable right-back, Clyne is well worth Liverpool continuing their pursuit.

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