Southampton must be sick of the sight of us. That is, if reports in the Telegraph are to be believed, which claim the Saints have rejected an opening offer of around £10m from us for full-back Nathaniel Clyne.
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Liverpool transfer news
According to the report, we are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days, as Brendan Rodgers looks to kick-start his summer spending by filling a little-discussed problem position.
We all know that we’re short upfront and, arguably, in central midfield, where the departure of Steven Gerrard has left a big hole to feel. However, with Glen Johnson out of contract and Jon Flanagan out for the foreseeable future through injury, there’s not much left for us to call on at full-back.
Andre Wisdom has returned from his loan spell at West Brom and has signed a new contract, while we also have another youngster – Javier Manquillo – to call upon. But you can’t help but think we’re short on some experience and quality.
Clyne, an England international, would certainly help plug that gap, but it remains to be seen whether Southampton will be willing to let him go at any price, particularly after the mass-exodus they endured last summer.
The Telegraph state that the 24-year-old defender has one-year left on his current contract and looks unlikely to sign a new deal, as he eyes a step up into European football to cement his place in the national team.
Manchester United are also interested in Clyne, according to the report, but they do not consider his signing a priority, meaning that we have the chance to steal in ahead of them.
This would definitely be a great deal for us, if we can get it done for the sort of price that is being suggested, so we’ll continue to watch this story with interest as the transfer window hots up.