Liverpool's £10 Million Bid For Right Back Rejected

Liverpool have had a £10 million bid for 24-year-old Southampton right back Nathaniel Clyne rejected, according to a report from the Telegraph and pretty much every other major publication in England. During a time that is generally filled with baseless rumors, this is big news, especially because Clyne hasn't factored into many recent transfer stories surrounding the club.

The Telegraph reports that Southampton's rejection has not deterred Liverpool, claiming that "there is sure to be another approach for the 24-year-old."

Liverpool were interested in Clyne last summer, but the club eventually decided to bring in Javier Manquillo on loan to bolster the right back position. However, Brendan Rodgers' midseason switch to a back three pushed Manquillo out of the team and slowed his development, reopening the possibility of a transfer move for a new right back this summer.

While Liverpool's prior transfer missteps with Southampton players should not automatically disqualify Clyne from consideration, shelling out much more than £10 million for a player that few would consider a star is a questionable decision. The move becomes more puzzling when one considers that Liverpool have decent options in Manquillo and Jon Flanagan to play at right back next season. The team needs at least one more fullback, but the positional hole isn't as glaring as some have made it seem. Therefore spending on a fullback should be reserved for a bargain deal or a player whose presence would significantly improve the team. For a transfer fee significantly higher than £10 million, Clyne does not seem to fit either category.

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