Although Southampton will reportedly stick to their guns over their £15mil valuation of Liverpool target Nathaniel Clyne, the Reds have looked to test their resolve once again with a fresh bid of an initial £10.5mil with add-ons adding an extra £2.5mil to the pot according to respected journalist Tony Barrett.
Fresh off the capture of Hoffenheim attacker Roberto Firmino, the Anfield outfit is looking to get their second bit of big money business wrapped up with time to spare in order to ward off competing interest from the likes of Premier League rivals Manchester United. It’s believed that the Saints are willing to part ways with the England international if their offer to extend his contract is turned down, but they’re not interested in letting him go on the cheap, despite having only one year left on his current deal.
Liverpool saw an opening bid of £10mil quickly rebuffed by the South Coast side almost immediately following the last match of the season with relations still frosty between the two after former captain Adam Lallana, fan favourite Rickie Lambert and highly rated defender Dejan Lovren all moved to Anfield last summer in deals worth just under a combined £50mil.
While we’ll have to wait and see how Southampton will field this latest offer, they could be tempted to take the money and run with the Saints looking to splash some serious cash on Atlético Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian, who spent last season on loan at St. Mary’s, is looking certain to leave the Spanish club this summer, but they’re also playing hard-ball over his fee with the La Liga outfit demanding close to £14mil for his signature. With Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly interested in bringing the Belgian to the Premier League, £12.5mil end up being Liverpool’s lucky number.
