Man United given huge boost in pursuit of Nathaniel Clyne

Manchester United have been given a huge boost in their bid to prise Nathaniel Clyne away from St Mary’s with Southampton poised to sign a new right-back.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman has been desperate to keep hold of the England defender despite interest from a host of top clubs but with the Dutchman closing in on Sporting Lisbon full-back Cedric Soares it appears Clyne could now be on his way out.

According to Metro Southampton could put pen to paper on a deal for the 23-year-old Portugal international later today after having a bid thought to be in the region of £4m accepted by the Portuguese giants.

Southampton are thought to have outbid Stoke, who tabled a £3.6m offer earlier this week, and the deal will see Soares line-up alongside his countryman Jose Fonte in the Saints’ defence.

The important news for United fans though is that Soares’ potential arrival on the south coast could end the Red Devils’ long-term attempts to replace Rafael at right back.

Louis van Gaal has been frustrated in his attempts so far with Barcelona’s Brazil ace Dani Alves recently signing a new two-year deal at the Nou Camp and Southampton so far spurning his advances.

While there is a slight possibility that Soares’ arrival will be to provide competition and cover, given Southampton’s European commitments next season, United are likely to see this as an opportunity to lure Clyne to Old Trafford and a concrete bid is now expected in the coming weeks.

At present Clyne is 11/8 to join Liverpool, with United priced at 11/4 and Tottenham also in the hunt at 4/1.

However, with Alves staying put and Southampton seemingly bringing in a replacement the Red Devils’ odds could tumble in the coming days.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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