Liverpool continue Nathaniel Clyne pursuit despite £10m bid being rejected by Southampton

Liverpool's first offer for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne has been rejected by the club, according to the BBC.

The Reds are believed to have made an offer of £10m to bring the England international to Anfield but the Saints have dismissed the bid. However, that has not dissuaded Brendan Rodgers, who will return with a new bid for the defender.

The Northern Irishman is keen to strengthen his defence in the summer and is looking for a long-term replacement for Glen Johnson, who is set to be released by the club following the expiry of his contract.

The Merseyside club have identified Clyne as their primary target to fill in the right-back role in the upcoming season after using midfielder Emre Can as a makeshift this season.

Liverpool have Andre Wisdom and Javier Manquillo as backup for the right full-back position, but the manager is keen to bring in a proven talent rather than rely on inexperienced stars.

Manchester United were leading the race for the defender, but reports claim that the Red Devils have cooled their interest in Clyne giving Liverpool a clear path ahead.

The Reds will have to up their bid for the Saints star, and reports claim that a bid in the region of £15m should be enough to convince the St Mary's club's hierarchy to let their prized possession move to Anfield.

However, Saints boss Ronald Koeman is reluctant to let their key players leave this year, after seeing a clutch of stars depart the club last summer, and has received a boost after Clyne hinted that he could remain with the south coast club next season.

"As long as you're playing well for your club and you're doing ever so well in the Premier League then, yeah, you'll get a chance, regardless of whether you're in a top team or not," Clyne said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

"But Southampton's pushing up, so why can't we be a top team?" the England international added.