Man Utd To Hijack Liverpool’s Move For £15m-Rated Defender?

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, Manchester United are back in the race for Nathaniel Clyne….

Manchester United are being tipped to renew their interest in Liverpool target Nathaniel Clyne after missing out on the signature of Dani Alves, according to reports.

United are on the look out for a new right-back as Louis van Gaal has clearly lost faith in Rafael with Antoino Valencia forced to deputise at right-back for most of last season.

The Dutchman was initially thought to be keen on Clyne but reports soon suggested that he had turned his attention to Alves – who was expected to leave Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.

That paved the way for Liverpool to push ahead with their attempts to land Clyne and speculation last month claimed that the Merseysiders had tested Southampton’s resolve with a £10m offer.

The bid was immediately rejected by the South Coast club with Ronald Koeman’s men holding out for at least £15m, and Liverpool have yet to go back in with an improved offer.

It seems the Anfield club’s failure to wrap up a deal could cost them as the Express as now claiming that Manchester United are set to renew their interest in Clyne after seeing Alves sign a new two-year deal with Barca.

The Brazilian international quickly committed his future to the Nou Camp after completing a treble following their win over Juventus in the Champions League final on Saturday night, and it looks like van Gaal will now turn his attentions back to Clyne as he looks for his new right-back.

The news will be a real blow to Liverpool as Rodgers was hoping to make the 24-year-old his third summer signing after agreeing deals for James Milner and Danny Ings, but it looks like the Merseysiders will now have to compete with United once again for his signature.

READ MORE –> Liverpool transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Clyne has developed into one of the best full-backs in the Premier League over the past two seasons and he’s also broken into Roy Hodgson’s England set-up, so he’d be an excellent addition for either Liverpool or United.

The defender is set to enter the final year of his contract at St Mary’s and Southampton will have no option but to cash-in if he doesn’t pen a new deal soon, so it’s going to be interesting to see where he ends up this summer.

My money is still on Liverpool but if United really want him, Clyne may opt for a move to Old Trafford as they can offer Champions League football next season.