According to Liverpool ECHO, Liverpool have increased their bid up to £12.5million for England International Nathaniel Clyne. Liverpool had made two previous bids for the Southampton right back earlier believed to be worth £10million and £10.5million and both of them were rejeceted by the Saints.
Southampton wants £15million for Clyne but Liverpool are hopeful of a compromise. Southampton has already signed full back Cedric Soares from Sporting Lisbon for £4.7million who is believed to be the replacement of the former Crystal Palace man.
Liverpool has been extraordinarily busy in the transfer market and has signed 5 players already in the form of James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and most recently Roberto Firmino. Reds are doing pretty well in the transfer market recently to fill the gaps of the last season and making a squad good enough to challenge for the title. At least Champions League qualification is what the manager and owners would want now.
Long time Liverpool full back Glen Johnson has departed the club this summer as a free agent. Loaneee young Spanish fullback Javier Manquillo has been out of favour also. Another full back Jon Flanagan has been injured for the most part of the season. Liverpool therefore are in the market for a quality right back and have identified Clyne as their prime target. Clyne has been in superb form for the Saints last season. Clyne is a right back who can defend and attack equally well.
Here are some figures that prove his efficiency in both attack and defense- (as par whoscored.com)
Tackles per game- 3.3
Interceptions per game- 1.8
Clearances per game- 2.2
Dribbles per game- 0.9
Shots per game- 0.5
Key passes per game- 0.6
Fouled per game- 0.7
Passing success percentage- 78.5%
Crosses per game- 0.5
Long balls per game- 2.1
Clyne will be well suited at Liverpool’s playing stye. I will be interesting to see Southampton’s response to LFC’s new bid. The English International is also looking to move from the Soth Coast club and will welcome a move to Anfield.