Manchester United have made Southampton’s young fullback Nathaniel Clyne their top transfer priority in the summer but it seems the Saints won’t buckle under pressure. Instead, Southampton are fighting hard to keep hold of their prized asset for at least one more season.
The 24-year-old has only a year remaining on his current deal at St Mary’s and there are indications that he will not commit his future to the club. Southampton executive director Les Reed has said he is confident the England international will sign a new contract ahead of interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool this summer.
Reed told TalkSport: “We’re in constant communication. These contract negotiations are never just one meeting where everything is done and sorted out.
“You have to bear in mind, especially with Nathaniel, that we want him to focus on the last few games of the season. That’s why you’ll get players saying: ‘Let’s wait until the end of the season.’
Clyne has enjoyed a brilliant season for the Saints where he made 31 league appearances and scored two goals. He is good at tackling, averaging 3.5 tackles / game and loves to dribble and join the attack down the flanks on every possible opportunity.
There’s a ‘British’ transfer fee add-on to consider too, and Manchester United (or Chelsea or Liverpool) will have to spend over £15m to secure his signature. United have other plans – as recent reports suggest, the Red Devils are ready to include Javier Hernandez as a part of the deal to fend off Chelsea and Liverpool to the signing of Clyne.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
