Manchester United boosted in signing Nathaniel Clyne as defender set to reject Southampton deal

Manchester United have reportedly handed a boost in signing Nathaniel Clyne as the defender has rejected a new deal, according to ESPN.

The 23-year-old's contract at St Mary's Stadium will expire in the summer of 2016 and his current employers are set to hand him a new deal, which will see him earn £45,000 ($66,659) per week.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has already admitted that he is unsure about the right-back's future plan and is hoping that he commits his future to the club. However, the player is not willing to sign a contract extension with his current employers.

Clyne joined the South Coast club from Crystal Palace in 2012 and before joining Southampton, he turned down the option to join the 20-times English champions.

The defender's form this season has seen him make it to the England squad, when he made his debut for the Three Lions' Euro 2016 qualifier win over Slovenia.

ESPN reports that Chelsea are also interested in signing Clyne after the end of the season. However, the England international is looking to follow his former teammate Luke Shaw's footsteps in making a switch to United.

Shaw, was signed by United last summer and has been a regular figure this season. Louis van Gaal has Rafael da Silva as the first choice right-back in the squad. However, the Brazilian has seen his first team appearances being limited under the Dutchman as he has fielded Antonio Valencia for most part of this season in right-back position.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager could allow Rafael to leave United in the upcoming transfer window. Signing a right-back in the summer is a priority and Red Devils are also linked with Barcelona defender Dani Alves, who is a free agent in the summer.

Alves is reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain and Van Gaal has made signing Clyne as a priority after missing out on the South American right-back.