Chelsea
Man Utd In Formal Talks Over £25m Chelsea Target, Player To Make Decision Soon
Man Utd are in formal talks with Southampton over a potential deal for Chelsea target Nathaniel Clyne with the player set to make a decision over his future
As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Man Utd have declared their interest in Nathaniel Clyne….
Manchester United are in formal talks with Southampton over a potential deal for Chelsea target Nathaniel Clyne with the player set to make a decision over his future, according to ESPN.
Clyne has developed into one of the best full-backs in the Premier League over the past two years and is now a regular fixture in Roy Hodgson’s senior England squad.
The 24-year-old’s future at Southampton is uncertain as he’s about to enter the final year of his contract and so far the player has been unable to agree terms over an extension.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with the a move for the pacey defender in recent months while Chelsea are also understood to be keeping a close eye on his situation ahead of a potential summer swoop.
However, it appears United have stolen a march on the Blues as ESPN are reporting that the Red Devils have already declared their interest to Southampton and have been in formal talks with the South Coast club for several weeks.
The report suggests that while no formal offer has been put forward as yet, Clyne has been made fully-aware of United’s interest and will inform the Saints of his intentions over the coming days.
ESPN also claim that if Clyne makes it clear he won’t be signing a new deal, Southampton won’t be bullied into selling him on the cheap and have informed United they must meet their asking price – which some reports suggest is in the region of £25m.
The news comes shortly after an apparent source had told the Daily Star that Clyne has already made it clear that his first choice would be to join United:
“The player [Clyne] has made it known that United are his first choice.
“The deal is not done yet but it is a clear indication of his thinking.”
It remains to be seen whether that’s the case but it does look increasingly likely that Clyne will be on the move this summer and United look to be firmly in the driving seat for his signature.
I’m sure Chelsea won’t give up without a fight if Jose Mourinho really wants him, but with Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta already on the books at Stamford Bridge, I can’t see why another right-back will be high on his agenda.
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United on the other hand are desperate to strengthen the right-back area as Rafael has struggled for form and fitness this season so Antonio Valencia has been forced to fill-in. Clyne would be a huge upgrade so I’m sure Louis van Gaal will be desperate to get this deal wrapped up this summer.
