Manchester United have made a good progress in their pursuit of Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne and the club is confident of getting their man for A?28m in winter transfer window.
The Old Trafford clubsa manager Louis van Gaal is not particularly happy with the options available to him on the right side of his defence.
In spite of getting numerous opportunities to prove himself, Brazilian international Rafael da Silva has failed to show any improvement in his performance levels and the Manchester United authorities have no option but to look elsewhere to strengthen this area of their defence.
Southampton have surpassed all the expectations with their impressive displays this season and Nathaniel Clyne is the undisputed starter of the south coast side.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal had asked his scouts to keep a close watch on Nathaniel Clyne and they were present in the stadium when Southampton played against Newcastle United.
Louis van Gaal has received a thumbs up from his scouts about the overall talent of Nathaniel Clyne and, now, Manchester United are ready to launch a A?28m bid to get the player in winter transfer window.
Meanwhile, reports coming from England have also confirmed the plans of Manchester United to take a next step in their pursuit of Nathaniel Clyne.
The Daily Star has claimed today that Manchester United are closing in on A?20million-rated Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne. Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has identified that position as a priority and Nathaniel Clyne is emerging as the top target.
Manchester United have good business relations with Southampton as they signed Luke Shaw from the south coast club in summer for 28 million pounds. The Old Trafford club authorities believe that these cordial relations will help them get Nathaniel Clyne.
And if everything goes according to the plans, Nathaniel Clyne will be a Manchester United player by the end of next week.
Meanwhile, the player who looks certain to leave Manchester United this month is midfielder Darren Fletcher.
Darren Fletcher is struggling to get a regular playing time at Old Trafford as the likes of Michael Carrick, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera are ahead of him in the pecking order of coach Louis van Gaal.
West Bromwich Albion have emerged as the favorites to sign Darren Fletcher.
West Ham United and Valencia are also in a race to get Darren Fletcher but the Manchester United vice-captain prefers a move to West Borm as this will not force him to change his house, which is in South Cheshire.