Southampton reject Liverpool's £10m Nathaniel Clyne bid as United drop interest

The 24-year-old was one of the most impressive defenders in the Premier League last season and only has a year remaining on his contract.

He would be a natural replacement for Liverpool’s departing Glen Johnson, 30, who he ousted from the England side this season.

The bid comes less than a week after the end of a disappointing season for the Reds, as they finished sixth in the Premier League and were knocked out in the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions.

Liverpool signed three players from Southampton last summer – Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert – and have started this transfer window by targeting another of their stars.

They will need to come back with an improved offer if they are to tempt the Saints into a deal.

Liverpool will face no competition from Manchester United in their bid to sign Clyne.

United are aware of Clyne's contract situation and scouted the defender earlier this season, but Press Association Sport understands they are no longer interested in the England international.

That leaves Liverpool as the front-runners for Clyne's signature and they are said to be contemplating a second bid for the full-back.

A fortnight ago, Southampton sounded optimistic about their chances of persuading Clyne to extend his contract.