Liverpool’s defensive summer business took a step closer to becoming a reality today, as Manchester United pulled out of the race to sign Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne, leaving the Reds with a clear negotiating path going into the transfer window.
Manchester United’s search for a right-back could take them to Barcelona and Dani Alves, whilst Liverpool could see their combined spending on Southampton-based players reach £48 million in just over a year if a deal for the player goes ahead.
Reports from the Echo this evening suggest that a price in the region of £15 million could be enough to prise Clyne away from the Saints, whilst the Liverpool transfer committee may be hoping to lower that price further because of the short time left on Clyne’s contract coupled with the willingness of the player to join Liverpool.
At 24, Clyne can no longer to be seen as a up-and-coming youngster, and given the want to develop his career further, he may see Liverpool as the perfect place to grow, both domestically and internationally.
Winning his first England cap this season, Clyne does prove a step up from Liverpool’s current right-sided options of Glen Johnson and the versatile Emre Can. Can has been used as both a third centre-half and a right-back this year, yet with Gerrard to leave the club for LA and Lucas’ future all but certain, it would seem that Rodgers plans to play Can in a midfield position for the coming season.
A consistent and impressive performer for Southampton this campaign, his current club had hoped the defender would sign a new contract with them instead of moving on. Yet, the move to Liverpool does seem to come with the unwritten promise of first-team action due to Liverpool’s defensive instability during Brendan Rodgers career at the club.
Liverpool are currently in need of defensive reinforcements, with the likes of Jose Enrique being told he can find a new club and Glen Johnson looking certain to leave without being offered a new contract.
All signs are pointing to a summer of Premier League proven signings for Liverpool, and Clyne’s signature could prove a smart signing. His clear ability in a weak position for the Reds would be a massive boost, and at a low enough fee it would suit the FSG philosophy of buying players with possible resale value.
