Nathaniel Clyne has become Liverpool's sixth signing of a hectic summer after completing a €17.6 million move from Southampton.
The England international signed a long-term contract at Anfield on Wednesday after a concerted effort by Liverpool to land Brendan Rodgers' first choice for their problematic right-back position. Clyne, who started his career at Crystal Palace before going on to make 94 appearances for Southampton, passed a medical on Monday and becomes the fourth player to move from St Mary's Stadium to Anfield in the past year.
Clyne had only 12 months remaining on his Southampton contract but the south coast club rejected Liverpool’s opening offer of £10m, insisting on £15m, before a compromise fee was agreed.
The 24-year-old follows James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Roberto Firmino as Liverpool's summer recruits so far and the club remain keen on the Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke. However, there has been no breakthrough in a move for the Belgium international as yet with his £32.5m release clause proving prohibitive.
Clyne brings Premier League experience, pace and attacking instincts to a Liverpool side that also lacked the quality of crossing and tackling the full-back gave to Southampton last season. Rodgers had identified Clyne as his preferred choice for right-back with Glen Johnson departing on a free transfer and Jon Flanagan beset by injuries.
(Guardian service)
