5 Nathaniel Clyne alternatives Manchester United should consider
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With the Premier League campaign drawing to a close the silly season of transfer rumours is already in full swing.
Each day brings a new story or a new twist and the latest update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne has seen what seemed to be a “done deal” halted in its tracks with the England man poised to sign a contract extension at St Mary’s.
As ever these updates should be taken with a pinch of salt but just in case the defender really is committing himself to the St Mary’s cause here are five alternative targets Louis van Gaal should consider.
Juanfran – Atletico Madrid
The Spain international claims to have twice turned down Arsenal in favour of remaining in Madrid and with Atletico’s success in recent years that looked a wise decision.
However, with Barcelona and real Madrid reasserting their dominance in La Liga Louis van Gaal could be tempted to offer the former Osasuna man a route to the Premier League.
Gregory van der Wiel – PSG
Despite making 32 appearances for Les Parisiens this season, recent reports suggest Laurent Blanc is resigned to losing the 27-year-old Dutchman at the end of the year.
Blanc is already looking for replacements and with fellow Dutchman Van Gaal in charge at Old Trafford United are likely to be at the front of the queue to land the £9m-rated right back.
Lucasz Piszczek – Borussia Dortmund
Manchester United are rumoured to be in the running to land Ilkay Gundogan and Mats Hummels but if Clyne spurns their advances the Red Devils could be tempted to set their Dortmund net wider still for Poland international Piszczek.
The 29-year-old is contracted to BVB until 2017 but with Jurgen Klopp set to be followed out of the club by a number of prominent players at the end of the season the wing-back, who would slot nicely into LVG’s style of play, could be tempted to move on too.
Dani Alves – Barcelona
Perhaps the most likely signing given that he is out of contract in June and already heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.
At 31 the Barcelona ace would only be a short-term solution to United’s right-back problem but if Rafael is to have any future at the club a season or two learning from his countryman surely wouldn’t hurt.
Seamus Coleman – Everton
Coleman has been hugely impressive at Goodison Park and has three years remaining on his current deal.
However, Everton have always been something of a selling club and if a big money offer came from Old Trafford the hard up Toffees would be hard pressed to turn down such advances.
Adept in both defence and attack, as his five goals this season attest, the Irishman could be the pick of the bunch should United’s Clyne bid fall flat.
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