Liverpool refocusing efforts to raid Southampton stocks again
Published:
Roy Hodgson may not have kept the faith with Nathaniel Clyne for a third successive Euro 2016 qualifier, but it looks as if Liverpool will persist with their interest in the Southampton right-back as they reportedly table an improved bid.
Saints understandably turned their noses up at a speculative offer of £10m from Liverpool, but with just a year left on his St.Mary’s deal, their hopes of holding onto Clyne look slender.
The south coast club do not envisage doing business with either Liverpool or Manchester United for anything less than £15m, though with interest from the latter waning, the Reds could benefit from the lack of a bidding war.
It therefore seems more plausible that Brendan Rodgers and co raise the bar in increments rather than offer Southampton full whack straight away.
The effect of this approach will harm the chances of a swift conclusion to this transfer as the two clubs prepare for the long haul, unless other suitors or a u-turn by the player enter the equation.
According to some media sources, Clyne has intimated that following a trio of his former teammates’ footsteps to Anfield is his preferred choice this summer despite all three of them enduring underwhelming debut campaigns.
Having been raided by Liverpool for skipper Adam Lallana, striker Rickie Lambert and defender Dejan Lovren 12 months ago, there is also a general consensus that relations between the clubs are on the frosty side.
However, Liverpool’s need to replace long-term first-choice right-back Glen Johnson, who leaves on a free, puts added impetus on following through with their pursuit.
As an attack minded right-back Clyne is viewed as a natural successor to Johnson who made the berth his own for a number of years at Anfield.
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