Fresh off the back of signing Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, Liverpool FC have claimed yet another major scalp in the form of Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne
A year after signing Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert from Southampton, it appears as though Brendan Rodgers has once again been shopping on Englanda s southern coast. The Anfield side have reportedly agreed a A?12.5m fee for Saints right-back Nathaniel Clyne, according to the very reliable Liverpool Echo.
Clyne, who is currently on holiday, is set to undergo a medical next week and will discuss personal terms with Liverpool for a five-year contract. The Saints defender is expected to slot straight into Brendan Rodgersa starting line-up a potentially resolving what has been a huge problem area for the Reds over the course of last season.
The signing is a major coup for Liverpool, particularly considering the more-than-reasonable price tag. Clyne was arguably the most consistent right-back over the course of last season, with his impressive performances at club level earning him a spot in Roy Hodgsona s England side – with the right-back making his international debut in November last year against Slovenia.
Nathaniel Clyne set to sign a five-year contract at Anfield. Medical likely to be next week when he has returned from holiday. #LFC
a James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) June 25, 2015
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Southampton have accepted improved offer from Liverpool for @Nathaniel_Clyne, worth up to A?12.5m, @TonyBarretTimes reports. Link to follow
a Times Sport (@TimesSport) June 25, 2015
The 24-year-old is more than capable of contributing to Liverpoola s attack going forward and is very solid defensively a an ideal replacement for Glen Johnson, who was released by the club at the end of his contract earlier this month. Clyne could also potentially play as a right wing-back if Rodgers were to opt for a 3-4-3 system, and would likely be a better fit than Lazar Markovi and Emre Can.
Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre has now overseen the recruitment of James Milner, A?dA?m BogdA?n, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne in what is shaping up to be a very busy summer for the Reds. With the club also reportedly in talks for striker Carlos Bacca and midfielder Mateo KovaA?i , Liverpool fans have every reason to be optimistic about the season ahead.
