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After the surprisingly swift signing of Hoffenheim's Roberto Firmino, Liverpool seem determined to quickly push ahead with strengthening the first-team squad with the signing of Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne. Reports within the last hour have brought more good news for Liverpool fans as a convincing response to missing out on Champions League qualification continues.
The Saints were believed to be seeking £15 million for the right back even though he had only one year remaining on his current deal at the club. It seemed almost certain that Clyne would leave with no sign that he would sign a new contract, but Southampton were determined to get as much as possible from any interested party. A replacement was secured in Sporting's Cédric Soares, which pointed to an imminent sale, and the Reds were reported to be preparing a second offer after seeing a bid of £10 million rejected. According to reports, Southampton are set to accept an improved bid of £12.5 million, a fifth of which 16 per cent will be add-ons.
Nathaniel Clyne would be Liverpool's sixth signing of the summer and would further underline the club's commitment to righting the wrongs of last season. There is a need at right back after Glen Johnson was released with Jon Flanagan injured and Javi Manquillo's future unclear. Clyne would be a solid upgrade on all three options that were available to Rodgers over the past two seasons, and the 24-year-old player's form attracted the attention of England manager Roy Hodgson last year.
It appears that Clyne is set on moving to Liverpool and can be expected to be join an interesting list of additions before pre-season. The fact that Liverpool are getting the bulk of business done so early in the summer transfer window should be commended, Brendan Rodgers will get to work with new players early and integrate them into his preferred tactical arrangement.
