Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly plotting a swoop on Crystal Palace for their highly rated defender Nathaniel Clyne.
Rumours at the beginning of the week suggested the Red Devil’s chief was weighing up a bid for the England under-21 star as cover for Phil Jones after he sustained a long-term injury in the win over Arsenal on Sunday. However Clyne’s performance in the Carling Cup quarter final victory at Old Trafford in November has seen the right back soar to the top of Ferguson’s shopping list.
The 70-year-old is in the hunt for a full back after injuries to Jones, Rafael and Chris Smalling in the last few months forced him to deploy winger Antonio Valencia in defence. Ferguson want’s to avoid having to field the Ecuadorian at right back again in the near future and is now ready to test the waters with a bid for Clyne.
Palace manager Dougie Freedman has insisted the youngster is going nowhere although with the clubs finances in an unhealthy position it’s likely that any offer will be considered. It’s thought that United have offered the Championship side up to £3 million to prise him away from Selhurst Park although the Eagles could hold on until the summer when Clyne’s contract expires.
They’d still be in line to receive a similar amount in compensation after the player rose through the ranks at Palace before making his first team debut in the 2008/09 season. Since then Clyne has gone on to be an ever present in the Palace side making 124 appearances for the club and winning the Young Player of the Year award three times in succession.