Manchester United: Liverpool prepare swoop for Nathaniel Clyne and Nicolas Gaitan

Liverpool have set out to challenge Manchester Untied for the transfers of Nathaniel Clyne and Nicolas Gaitan in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

Clyne is being heavily monitored by United, who need a right-back to cover for the departing Rafael, and Louis van Gaal has earmarked the Southampton man to fill that position. Liverpool are also in the market to replace Glen Johnson and have handpicked Clyne as a potential target this summer. Clyne is expected to be available for a fee in the range of £18m ($27.59m).

The Reds are also preparing a shock swoop for Gaitan, who has been on United's radar for over a year now, with Van Gaal looking to finally bring the Benfica player to Old Trafford. However, the Reds are willing to match the £25m ($38.3m) release fee and bolster their attack for the upcoming season.

Brendan Rodgers is set out to build his team for a top four challenge next season after finishing sixth in the league, a massive disappointment after their second place finish in the previous season.

The former Swansea manager failed to arrest the void left by Luis Suarez's departure and his transfers left much to be desired, especially with Daniel Sturridge also failing to feature with injury problems throughout the length of the season.

Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert were unable to live up to the billing, which dried up their goals up front, forcing Rodgers to use Raheem Sterling as a makeshift number nine. Steven Gerrard, who is their top scorer this season, is also set to leave after his contract with the Reds expired this season.

However, his biggest worry lies in the situation haranguing behind Raheem Sterling, who has refused to sign an extension on his current contract and is likely to make his way out of the club in the summer.

It will be a massive blow for the Merseyside club, as the 20-year-old was their best player in the recently concluded season and their 6-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke City on the final day without his presence is testament to his influence on the team.