Liverpool make second bid of £12.5m for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne

Liverpool have tabled an improved £12.5m ($20m) bid for Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne, according to the Telegraph.

Brendan Rodgers is confident that he can conclude a deal with the Saints for the right-back with the new offer, having already secured five deals this summer.

The 2013/14 runners-up failed to live up to expectations in the recently concluded season, finishing sixth in the league but are looking to give it a good go in the upcoming season and are in the market to bring in quality reinforcements to facilitate their improvement

The Reds have already completed a £28m ($44m) deal for Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim and have sought value in the market with other deals for Adam Bogdan from Bolton Wanderers, Joe Gomez from Charlton, James Milner from Manchester City and Danny Ings from Burnley.

Clyne will be a direct replacement for the departing Glen Johnson, whose contract with the club expires on 30 June.

Manchester United are also believed to be interested in a move, with the player having only 12 months left in his contract after talks of an extension broke down.

This is Liverpool's second bid for the England international, with the Merseyside club opening proceedings with a £10.5m ($16.5m) bid for the player.

Should they complete a deal for Clyne, he will be Liverpool's fourth signing from Southampton in less than a year, with the other signings being Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren.

Lallana has been a success at the club since coming in, but the others have failed to live up to the billing and will be looking to impress the manager in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, on departures, the Reds are waiting on a bid from Manchester City for Raheem Sterling, having rejected an opening £40m ($63m) bid from the 2013/14 Champions.

The 20-year-old has refused to extend his contract with the club and looks set to become Liverpool's second high profile transfer in consecutive years, with Luis Suarez being the first to depart Anfield last season.