EPL Transfer News: Manchester United Looking At Swap Deal To Land Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne

Manchester United are all set to offer Southampton Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez in exchange for right-back Nathaniel Clyne, according to an ESPN FC report. The news come in the wake of reports that Chelsea are also interested in the 24 year old right back.

United currently have Rafael as their right back, but he has just made two appearances, as a substitute, in 2015, and his last start was against Chelsea at Old Trafford back in October. Injuries and an inability to adjust to new manager Louis van Gaal’s philosophy has been often quoted as one of the main reasons for the Brazilian defender’s failure to break into the team.

Winger Valencia, who started the season as right wing back, has performed admirably at the right back position and although he lacks the defensive nous, has gained van Gaal’s trust thanks to his ability to keep the ball and also make quick passes. His combination with Ander Herrera and Juan Mata on the right wing has also been one of the major reasons for United’s revival in recent weeks.

But the Red Devils will want a more natural right back who can handle the defensive responsibilities better than Valencia and this is where the interest in Nathaniel Clyne comes into play. The 24 year old has been one of the best right backs in the league the past two seasons and has already announced that he would prefer to play for a club in the UEFA Champions League. United are currently in third and will be able to offer what he wants. His contract also expires in 2016, which means Southampton will have to sell if he doesn’t sign a new contract, or risk losing him on a free transfer.

Chicharito, meanwhile, has struggled to break into the first team at United. Even though he scored important goals and quickly became a fan favourite in his first season, he was always seen as more of a ‘super sub’. Being third, and sometimes fourth in the pecking order, behind Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck-- now at Arsenal-- didn’t help. While Welbeck was sold to Arsenal this past summer, Chicharito was off on loan to Real Madrid, where he has struggled to break into the team.

A move to St. Mary’s could, thus, be a perfect solution for all parties with Southampton also in need of a good support striker for Pelle and United getting the right-back they need.

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