Liverpool Transfers: Reds Confirm £10million Bid For Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne
Are Liverpool about to raid Southampton once again?
Liverpool have seen a £10million bid for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne turned down as they look to strengthen their defensive options before the 2015/16 campaign.
The offer was tabled last night and it is reported that Clyne wants to move to Anfield despite the difficulties endured on Merseyside by former team-mates Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.
With Glen Johnson departing and Jon Flanagan still recovering from injury, Liverpool have made a play for the England defender, whos situation is being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs.
Clyne only has one year left on his current contract and looks unlikely to renew his deal at the South Coast club. Southampton do not want to sell, but as they have shown in past dealings with Liverpool, they will let their 24-year old depart if the price is right.
Liverpool are expected to increase the bid to nearer £12million, and the speed in which The Reds are seeking to tie up deals indicates that Brendan Rodgers is at the heart of the strategy - despite apparent interest in his position from Jurgen Klopp - although he must still attend an end-of-season review with the clubs hierarchy.
Manchester United have been monitoring the impressive Clyne, who has established himself as Englands first-choice right back, but he is not thought to be a priority target for Louis Van Gaal this summer.
In contrast, Liverpools Jon Flanagan faces a long recovery from a knee injury and Glen Johnson, whom Clyne has replaced in the Enlgand side, is set to leave the club having failed to agree a new contract.
Emre Can filled in at right-back toward the end of the season, but his limitations have been all too apparent and the German midfielder was hooked at half time in last Sundays 6-1 embarrassment at Stoke, after being at fault for each of Stokes first three goals.
If the tabloids are to be believed, Southampton are already preparing for life without their flying right-back having earmarked Kieran Trippier from relegated Burnley as a potential replacement.