Liverpool’s rebuilding process is seemingly underway, with the Anfield outfit starting to make enquiries ahead of the summer transfer window.
The latest report in The Guardian instigates that the Reds have identified Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne as a potential new addition and have made a £10 million bid for the England international.
As expected, the Saints have rejected the offer and are keen to keep the talented defender at St Mary’s Stadium ahead of next season.
However, the reality is that Clyne will more than likely leave the South coast this summer as a number of high-profile, European-qualified teams try to tempt him away from St Mary’s.
Manchester United are another of the teams being touted as potential suitors of the right-back, who has been one of the best players in his position throughout the 2014-15 campaign.
With the Old Trafford side already beating their fierce rivals to the signing of Memphis Depay, the Anfield club need to move quickly to avoid a repeat performance.
For the Reds, signing a player of Clyne’s ability could well be the missing piece of the jigsaw to unleash Brendan Rodgers’ preferred formation.
The Anfield club went on a winning run at the turn of the year after the Northern Irish manager opted to switch to three centre-halves, but the right wing-back position remains a role that looks problematic.
A number of different players have operated in the role without fully convincing, with the demands of being both a stern defender and attacking outlet too much for many.
Clyne on the other hand, despite playing in a back four at St Mary’s, has all the attributes to feature as a wing-back.
The Englishman’s tireless work-rate, excellent positional sense and ability on the ball would be a major upgrade on Liverpool’s current options and give the Anfield outfit a player to occupy the role for the next decade.
Despite a potential move to Liverpool being exciting for Clyne, there is an argument that the defender should wait for a bigger fish to emerge.
Tim Sherwood stated this week that Aston Villa’s superstar striker Christian Benteke could do better than a move to the Merseyside outfit – the same could well apply for Clyne.
With United also interested in Clyne and in need of an improved option at right-back, the 24-year-old would be best advised to weigh up his options clearly.
With the Red Devils set to play in the Champions League next season and bolster their squad with extensive expenditure this summer, the future looks decidedly brighter at Old Trafford than it does at Anfield.
Leaving Southampton, a club that has established him as one of the most promising young players in the Premier League, will not be a decision to take lightly.
As such, waiting for United and spurning a misfiring Liverpool, could well be the best course of action for Clyne.
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